Mexico bans dolphin shows

On Thursday, Mexico’s Congress approved a ban on shows using dolphins and other marine mammals. The law passed with full agreement in both the upper and lower houses and now just needs the president’s approval.

Home to approximately 350 captive dolphins, Mexico ranks among the world’s top 10 dolphinarium operators. This new legislation effectively shuts down dolphinariums and other attractions that rely on the performance or public interaction with marine mammals, while preventing any future capture or breeding of these animals for entertainment purposes.

This victory is the result of years of efforts from many organizations: public reports, scientific evidence, social pressure and awareness campaigns. Our report, 'Behind the smile', helped to expose the hidden cruelty behind dolphin entertainment. The report revealed how dolphins suffer in captivity, living in barren tanks, unable to express their natural behaviours and are often subjected to extreme stress.

Ester Mora, Corporate Campaign Manager, World Animal Protection said:  

This ban is a powerful reminder that wild animals are not entertainers. It’s a clear message to the tourism industry that the future of travel must be ethical and wildlife-friendly. Travel companies and governments have a responsibility to stop promoting experiences that exploit dolphins and other wild animals. Tourists are looking for meaningful, responsible experiences and it’s time the industry listens.

Mexico’s leadership sends a powerful message to the world: wild animals do not belong in tanks, performing tricks for tourists.

We are calling for a global shift away from the use of wild animals in entertainment and advocating for the development of seaside sanctuaries as humane alternatives for animals who cannot be returned to the wild.