Following the deaths of two dolphins in the Riviera Maya and allegations of animal abuse, the Dolphin Freedom Mx organization has called for demonstrations in various cities in Quintana Roo and beyond. The protests will start tomorrow at a hotel on Reforma Avenue in Mexico City, then move to Cancun, Puerto Aventuras, and even Barcelona, Spain.
On its social media accounts, the organization posted: “Dolphins are dying inside Barceló’s tank and Barceló is turning a blind eye. The company managing the dolphin tank is sneaking around to hide the deaths, but we know! We know what they are doing and who is doing it. The truth will come to light.”
The organization is urging the public to attend the demonstrations. “Join us this weekend for 4 protests outside Barceló hotels in Mexico and Spain,” they announced.
Tragic Deaths and Negligence
The conditions in the Riviera Maya hotel’s dolphinarium have sparked outrage following the tragic deaths of two dolphins, “Plata” and “Tulagui,” over the past year. Both dolphins died due to aggression from the alpha dolphin, “Mincho,” in an environment that prevented them from escaping.
The case of “Plata” is particularly shocking. Reports indicate that the dolphin lost his sight due to negligence by his caretakers. During his transfer from Fiji, his eye was constantly scraped against the fabric of the stretcher, causing irreversible damage by the time he arrived in Cancun. Activists suggest that “Tulagui” may have suffered similar conditions.
“Plata” was found with serious injuries in the tank and, despite efforts to transfer him urgently to a veterinarian in Cancun, he did not survive. Months later, “Tulagui” met the same fate.
Stress and Aggression in Captivity
Animal rights defenders highlight that dolphin in captivity, like “Mincho,” face extreme levels of stress that intensify aggressive behavior. In the wild, submissive dolphins can escape attacks from the alpha, but in confinement, they lack that option.
Dolphinariums in Mexico
Mexico has 34 dolphinariums housing 300 marine mammals, including dolphins, sea lions, and manatees. Nineteen of these facilities are in Quintana Roo, employing 5,000 people directly and 20,000 indirectly.
Regulation and Controversy
The regulation of marine mammals falls under Semarnat 135. Environmentalists note that since 2002, wild capture has been prohibited, and since 2006, the importation of animals has been banned. Dolphins now only reproduce in captivity under special criteria.
The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums states: “We are not against regulation; we support proper regulation if necessary. We ask senators to consider our science-based viewpoints,” in response to repeated legislative initiatives to ban activities with these mammals and keep them in captivity.
Worker Complaints
Workers from various dolphinariums in Quintana Roo, who requested anonymity, report issues such as exhausting workdays, lack of professional trainers, poor nutrition, inadequate medication supply, and making females work during gestation, leading to stillbirths.
Protest Schedule
Due to these and other issues, Dolphin Freedom Mx has organized protests at the following locations and times:
– January 25, Mexico City: 12:00 p.m., Barceló Reforma Hotel.
– January 26, Cancun: 4:00 p.m., Occidental Costa Cancún.
– January 27, Puerto Aventuras: 4:00 p.m., Barceló Hotel Grand Maya.
– January 28, Barcelona, Spain: 11:00 a.m., Barceló Raval Hotel.
Activists emphasize that the responsibility for these deaths lies with the establishments that keep these animals under constant stress. Their demand is clear: dolphinariums must close and cease the exploitation of marine mammals.
Source: Por Esto
