It is highly important to KayTours to preserve the natural environment and avoid disturbing wild animals. We may view them, but we always refrain from interfering with the natural habitat. Learn more here.
This is why we are excited to share with you that dolphinariums are beginning to be banned.
On August 1, Mexico City became the first city in the Mexico to ban dolphin exhibits. This unanimous vote means prohibiting the use of marine mammals in public and private exhibitions. This includes a ban on the use of marine mammals in fixed or private shows, management, training, entertainment and therapy. We are hopeful that this huge step in the right direction will lead to a ban on captive breeding throughout the country.
An estimated 320 dolphins are currently in captivity in Mexico. Captive breeding involves housing dolphins in small tanks and swimming pools where they are forced to do daily acting stunts that are foreign to their natural behavior. It’s quite obvious that these tanks are much smaller than the ocean. As a result, many dolphins die prematurely because captivity weakens their immune systems. They’ll be permanently medicated so they can perform their stunts.
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TripAdvisor has already shown their recent concern for animals with their “Features Animals” badge. Essentially, this badge means animals may be seen on the particular excursion, so TripAdvisor provides tips on how to respectfully view the wild animals from a distance without stressing them out or harming them—which we also stand for! Check out our recent article on how to tread lightly and protect animals and wildlife while on vacation. In regards to dolphins, TripAdvisor has stopped selling “swim with dolphin” tours on their website.
Now companies or private individuals who use dolphins for exhibit purposes can be fined up to 300,000 pesos ($16,000). It is expected that many parks in Mexico will soon face fines. There are several high profile facilities like Six Flags Amusement Parks, but there are many smaller facilities that offer swimming with dolphins and “Therapy Dolphin” sessions. These facilities along with boutique tourist resorts and hotels will have to abide by this new law.
So, what happens to the dolphins? With the new law, they will be moved to facilities that have adequate space where they can be free from abuse or harassment. Our hope is that these dolphins will eventually be moved to Sea pens for eventual release. It is important that Dolphin Discovery Group, who controls 40% of the Mexican Dolphin show market and with 16 Dolphinariums spread across the Caribbean, USA and Mexico, isn’t able to ship the animals to other facilities unaffected by the new law.
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The goal is for the entire country to pass this law and for the rehabilitation and release of these dolphins. While this requires time and money, we can be assured that this significant improvement in animal rights will encourage other companies around Mexico and the world to take action to protect animals and the local environment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to write in the comment section below or send us an e-mail to: contact@kay.tours.