Dolphin Discovery Ventura Park dolphins left in neglect after Mexican closure

Nine dolphins remain at the closed Dolphin Discovery Ventura Park in Cancún, Quintana Roo, after the facility was shut down by Mexico's environmental prosecutor (Profepa) in October 2025. Animal‑rights group Veeleaf released drone footage showing the cetaceans spending most of the day immobile under direct sun, receiving only a single small feeding and minimal human interaction. The animals exhibit stress‑related behaviors such as repeatedly biting concrete walls.

One of the dolphins, Mincho, now 36, is blind and suffers tongue cancer after a 2020 accident that helped spur the "Ley Mincho," a reform banning marine‑mammal shows in Mexico. Despite the law, activists say the remaining dolphins—seven males and two females—continue to live in conditions that fall short of the welfare standards required by the legislation. Profepa acknowledges limited capacity to improve the situation while the animals await a permanent solution.