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In a significant advancement for animal welfare, the Mexican Senate has unanimously voted to ban dolphin and other marine mammal shows throughout the country. The legislative decision, reached on June 23 with a vote of 99 to 0, concludes a prolonged campaign by activists, researchers, and concerned citizens aimed at stopping the exploitation of marine mammals in entertainment.
The newly amended legislation modifies Mexico’s General Wildlife Law, prohibiting all forms of “extractive exploitation” of marine mammals. The only exception is for scientific research that has received prior approval from the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat). This vote follows a previous amendment in 2022 aimed at restricting activities within dolphinariums, which encountered significant resistance from industry operators.
Public demand for reform intensified earlier this year after the emergence of a 2020 video depicting a dolphin named Mincho suffering a severe injury during a performance at the Barceló Maya Grand Resort in Quintana Roo. The footage, alongside reports of other dolphin deaths at the same facility, sparked widespread outrage and national calls for legislative action.
Known as the “Mincho Law,” the new amendment also prohibits the captive breeding of marine mammals, except for cases involving their reintroduction into the wild. Mincho, who survived the incident, has since been relocated to a facility where he receives ongoing care, although he now suffers from impaired vision.
In response to these changes, Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has enhanced its oversight of dolphinariums, committing to inspect facilities to ensure humane conditions. Earlier this year, the agency suspended operations at the Barceló Maya location and imposed a fine of over 7.5 million pesos (approximately $395,000 USD) due to violations.
The new law not only bans future shows but also requires humane care for the estimated 350 dolphins currently held in captivity across about 30 facilities in Mexico. These facilities are primarily situated in popular tourist regions, including Quintana Roo, Guerrero, Veracruz, Baja California Sur, Nayarit, and Mexico City.
Officials have pledged to rigorously monitor marine wildlife permits and maintain pressure on dolphinariums to adhere to ethical treatment standards. Advocacy groups such as Empty the Tanks have hailed the legislation as a significant victory for animal rights. This landmark decision underscores a shifting public attitude toward marine life, emphasizing that these creatures belong in their natural habitats rather than in entertainment venues.
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