Mexico just banned dolphin shows
Let’s keep the momentum going!
A historic win for dolphins in Mexico — but the fight for marine freedom is far from over.
In a groundbreaking move, Mexico has passed a national ban on dolphin shows and the use of marine mammals for entertainment. This means no more forced tricks, no more cramped tanks disguised as "therapy," and no more breeding dolphins into a lifetime of confinement.
Backed by both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, this new law blocks dolphins from being used in shows, so-called therapy sessions, research, and any other human-centric activity masquerading as conservation. It also bans breeding dolphins in captivity — a major blow to an industry built on commodifying sentient individuals.
The dolphins already trapped behind glass walls will remain in captivity for now, but authorities are legally required to meet their physical and behavioural needs until they pass away naturally. A small mercy, but a reminder that true freedom cannot be replicated in a tank.
This monumental shift came after public outrage over a controversial dolphinarium in the Riviera Maya and decades of relentless campaigning from activists, scientists, and organisations demanding justice for dolphins.
Mexico now joins Costa Rica and Chile as one of only three Latin American countries to outlaw dolphin shows and captive breeding of cetaceans.
Meanwhile, Spain — despite banning wild animals from circuses — still forces dolphins to perform in dolphinariums.
This victory in Mexico is proof that change is possible when we refuse to stay silent. But there’s no time to celebrate and stand still. The door is now open to push further, for all marine animals still trapped for human amusement.
Next step: Free the manatees in Mexico. Manatees — gentle, slow-moving beings — are still confined in tanks in Mexico.
👉 Sign and share the petition to end manatee captivity in Mexico.
Next step: End cetacean captivity in Spain. Spain has more dolphinariums than any other country in Europe. Dolphins, orcas, and other whales endure psychological torment, forced tricks, and broken family bonds, all for human entertainment. Spain can become the first European country to fully ban cetacean captivity — if it acts now.
👉 Sign and share the petition to ban dolphin and whale captivity in Spain.
Mexico has shown us what’s possible. Let’s make sure manatees and Spain’s captive cetaceans are next in line for freedom.
Together, we can end the age of marine animal slavery — one country, one species at a time.