Dolphins remain in captivity at closed Cancún facility

Nine dolphins remain in captivity at the former Dolphin Discovery facilities within Ventura Park in Cancún, despite the site being closed by Mexican authorities approximately ten months ago. The group, consisting of seven males and two females, faces various chronic health issues, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, dental, dermatological, and ocular ailments.

Animal rights activists have raised concerns regarding the animals' living conditions, noting they reside in concrete tanks with limited environmental stimulation and insufficient protection from the sun. While the dolphins receive food and veterinary care, advocates argue these measures do not ensure adequate welfare. Proposed solutions include transferring the animals to sea pens to provide access to natural currents and tides, as experts warn that direct release into the open ocean is not a viable option for these long-term captive animals.

A petition on Change.org has gathered over 12,500 signatures in eight days, demanding the immediate transfer of the dolphins to marine pens. This situation follows a 2025 reform to Mexico's General Wildlife Law, which prohibited the reproduction and exploitation of marine mammals in captivity, creating an administrative challenge regarding the future of animals already held in existing facilities.