Dolphins suffer in closed Cancún water park

Nine dolphins are living in deteriorating conditions at the former Ventura Park water park in Cancún, which was closed by authorities nearly a year ago. The animals, including two females and seven males, have spent much of their lives in captivity for shows at the Dolphin Connection resort.

According to assessments by Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), the dolphins suffer from various chronic health issues. These include corneal inflammation, mouth ulcerations, and vision loss. One dolphin, Mincho, has a carcinoma on his tongue, while another, Diego, has lost part of his caudal fin and suffers from severe dental abrasion.

The organization Veeleaf has been monitoring the animals, noting high levels of stress. Since the park's closure, the dolphins have remained in a legal limbo, surviving in three semi-abandoned tanks with minimal care.