In a hopeful step forward for animal welfare, the Mexican Chamber of Deputies has unanimously approved an amendment to the General Wildlife Law that bans the use of marine mammals such as dolphins, sea lions, and orcas in captive entertainment, including fixed or traveling shows. This encouraging decision follows a positive vote by the Senate just yesterday, signaling growing momentum in Mexico toward ending the exploitation of marine mammals for public amusement.
“This vote represents a decisive move toward ending the exploitation of whales, dolphins and other marine mammals for entertainment and marks a major stride forward in animal welfare and conservation efforts in Mexico. We congratulate all legislators for reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to the protection of wildlife and promoting sustainable coexistence between humans and animals,” said Dr. Claudia Edwards, Humane World for Animals Mexico’s programs director, who supported the development of this bill.
The ban now becomes law, taking immediate effect, with the implementation of regulations to be issued within one year. It is estimated that there are 350 dolphins in captivity in Mexico, whom the law will require to be relocated to sea pens.
The approved amendment strictly prohibits the wild capture, captive breeding, or keeping of marine mammals for any purpose outside of scientific research for conservation and species preservation. This exception includes reintroduction, restocking, or translocation efforts aimed at restoring natural populations.
Humane World for Animals Mexico acknowledges the efforts of Dr. Yolanda Alaniz, a renowned marine mammal expert in Mexico, who has championed a ban on marine mammal spectacles along with other bioethics experts from Mexico’s National Autonomous University.
This landmark decision signifies a major victory for marine mammals and for those who have long advocated for their protection. Keeping highly intelligent, wide-ranging species in captivity, when they are capable of swimming thousands of miles in the wild, is inherently cruel. We look forward to more countries following Mexico’s lead in ending the use of captive marine mammals for entertainment.
