Mexico has made history. A unanimous vote in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, followed by President Claudia Sheinbaum's signature, has banned the use of marine mammals — dolphins, orcas, sea lions, and others — in entertainment shows, captive breeding programmes, and swim-with-dolphin experiences. The ban took effect immediately upon signing.
Around 350 dolphins currently held across Mexico's dolphinariums are now required by law to be transferred to seaside sanctuaries or sea pens within 18 months, where they will live in far larger, natural-water environments for the rest of their lives. Because most were born in captivity and lack survival skills, they will not be released into the open ocean — but they will never perform tricks for crowds again.
The End of an Industry
Swim-with-dolphin parks have been a lucrative part of Mexico's tourism industry, particularly in Cancún, Cozumel, and Los Cabos. The industry attracted millions of visitors annually. The new law makes it illegal to capture new marine mammals from the wild, breed them in captivity for entertainment, or keep them in confinement for any non-scientific purpose.
World Animal Protection, which campaigned on this issue for over a decade, called it “a historic day for marine mammals in Mexico and the world.”
Sanctuaries, Not Shows
The relocation process is underway. New seaside sanctuary projects are being developed along the Mexican coast — large sea-pen enclosures where dolphins can swim in natural seawater, maintain social bonds, and live without performance demands. Animal welfare organisations are monitoring the transition closely.
Mexico joins a growing list of countries — including Canada, India, and several EU members — that have restricted or banned captive marine mammal shows. The Americas' second-largest dolphin tourism market is now off the table.
Sources: World Animal Protection, Humane World for Animals, Mexico News Daily, Dolphin Project (signed 2025, relocation ongoing 2026)
