Profepa Says Cancer Spread Killed Dolphin Mincho, Liver Injury Killed Moana

Mexico City — A carcinoma on its tongue that spread to other organs killed the dolphin Mincho, while liver trauma killed the dolphin Moana, Mexico’s Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) said in a statement announcing the results of necropsies on both animals.

Mincho, a dolphin held in human care at Dolphin Connection Cancún, died on Oct. 31. Post-mortem studies determined that the carcinoma on its tongue had spread to other organs, progressively damaging its health until it stopped responding to the veterinary treatment it was receiving.

Moana, a dolphin at the Delfinario Sonora, died on Oct. 1. Investigators identified liver trauma as the cause of death. Profepa said the injury may have been caused by a light fixture falling from the facility’s structure, reportedly brought down by gusts from Hurricane Polo.

The blow to the liver altered Moana’s behavior and eating habits, complications that ultimately led to the animal’s death, the agency said.

Inspections continue at both dolphinariums

Although the necropsies established the causes of both deaths, Profepa said it has kept its inquiries open to review the circumstances surrounding them and to determine whether the facilities responsible for the marine mammals committed omissions or failed to comply with regulations.

Specialized personnel are carrying out inspection visits to verify that the two dolphinariums meet their management plans, veterinary medical protocols and infrastructure requirements.

The agency said it is also assembling the legal elements needed to establish possible administrative liability and, where applicable, criminal liability for the facilities or the individuals involved.

Profepa said it will exhaust every available legal avenue so that, if irregularities are confirmed, the penalties set out in current environmental law are applied.

The prosecutor’s office said it aims to guarantee adequate welfare conditions for wild animals kept in human care and to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths of both dolphins.