Background on Delphinariums in Mexico
Mexico is home to 34 delphinariums, with Quintana Roo housing 17 of them. These facilities have been under scrutiny due to concerns over animal welfare and the ethics of keeping marine mammals in captivity for entertainment purposes.
Mexico’s Support for Costa Rica and Chile’s Initiatives
Mexico has joined Costa Rica and Chile in protecting dolphins by prohibiting delphinariums, which keep these animals in captivity for life and subject them to forced reproduction. This decision stems from Mexico’s support of these countries’ initiatives aimed at dolphin protection.
Quintana Roo’s Situation
Quintana Roo, with its 17 delphinariums, faces a significant impact from this reform. The region’s facilities will not be immediately shut down but will eventually close as the current generation of captive marine mammals reaches the end of their lifespan.
Response from the Mexican Association of Habitats for Marine Mammal Interaction and Protection
The Mexican Association of Habitats for Marine Mammal Interaction and Protection, which represents delphinariums in the country, asserts that the reform does not immediately prohibit the operation of existing facilities with marine mammals, provided they are properly registered. However, they cannot reproduce or capture more specimens, limiting their lifespan and preventing further shows.
The association argues that banning reproduction for non-conservation purposes is counterproductive, as it hinders ethical and scientific management of captive animals. They believe this contradicts national and international legal principles, affecting the well-being of these animals.
Reform Details and Timeline
The approved reform ensures that these animals will not be transferred or separated, respecting their welfare and social bonds. The secretary of Ecology and Quintana Roo, Óscar Rébora Aguilera, had previously mentioned that the state had been preparing for this reform by outlining a technical and legal pathway, anticipating the imminent prohibition of delphinariums in Mexico.
The reform comes after a viral incident involving a dolphin named Mincho during a show at the Barceló hotel in Riviera Maya. The dolphin was filmed performing an acrobatic jump and ending up outside the tank, highlighting the need for change.
Key Questions and Answers
- What does the reform entail? The reform prohibits delphinariums from reproducing dolphins and performing shows for profit, gradually leading to their closure as current captive marine mammals reach the end of their lifespan.
- When will delphinariums in Mexico close? The closure will not happen immediately but will occur progressively as the current generation of captive marine mammals concludes their lifespan.
- What is the role of the Mexican Association of Habitats for Marine Mammal Interaction and Protection? This association represents delphinariums in Mexico, which will continue operating under the new regulations but without the ability to reproduce or capture more marine mammals.
- What sparked the recent push for this reform? A viral incident involving a dolphin named Mincho during a show in Riviera Maya brought renewed attention to the need for change, ultimately leading to the approval of the reform.
