In a significant win for aquatic animals, Mexico’s Congress unanimously approved legislation banning dolphin and marine mammal shows, along with a prohibition on establishing new dolphinariums, according to news.
The measure also prohibits the “extractive exploitation” of marine mammals, allowing capture only for research related to conservation or protection, or in cases of rescue.
In addition, the roughly 350 captive dolphins in Mexico must be be provided a lifetime of care following strict conditions, with steep fines for violations.
The reform now heads to the president’s desk for final approval, and she has already signaled her support.
“We are against any violence, but animal abuse in particular is a reflection of what could later escalate in terms of violence,” Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, said.
This comes on the heels of an investigation that led to the permanent shutdown of the tourist dolphin show at Barceló Maya Grand Resort in Quintana Roo, where multiple welfare violations were uncovered. The probe was launched after footage emerged of a dolphin leaping through the air and slamming onto the ground earlier this year, along with reports of two dolphin deaths.
“With this law, we’re putting an end to these marine mammal prisons, the so-called dolphinariums,” Mexican lawmaker Carlos Alberto Puente said.
Dolphins are highly intelligent, sensitive, and social animals—yet in captivity, they are confined to small tanks, denied the ability to express natural behaviors, and condemned to a lifetime of suffering for human entertainment.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to the lawmakers, advocates, and citizens who stood up for marine mammals and helped make this vital reform possible.
