Global Dolphin Protest Planned in Cancún to End Captivity

Advocacy groups are preparing for a global protest in Cancún to protect dolphins from captivity. The initiative, led by the association Empty the Tanks, is expected to take place in multiple countries across the globe.

Quintana Roo, a state in Mexico, is confirmed to be a primary location for the protest, which is scheduled for May 12. The demonstration will take place in front of a Barceló branded hotel, known for hosting captive dolphins. Quintana Roo is a significant location for this protest as it houses the majority of captive dolphins in Mexico, with 19 out of 41 sites, and is a leader in profiting from these mammals.

Camila Jaber Lara, the coordinator of Empty the Tanks, stated that the protest in Quintana Roo would take place near a roundabout of the hotel where the demonstration will occur.

The protest is planned to be peaceful, with participants expected to carry banners and signs demanding an end to the captive dolphin industry. Attendees are encouraged to wear white. Previous protests have highlighted the poor living conditions of captive dolphins, which often involve living in pools less than 10 meters deep with minimal space to move. Such conditions can lead to psychological and physical injuries, including wounds and ulcers.

Contrarily, the Mexican Association of Habitats for Interaction and Protection of Marine Mammals (Amhmar) argues that artificial habitats provide ample space for dolphins. They cite studies suggesting that dolphins live up to 10 years longer in captivity.

This upcoming protest will be the second of its kind in 2024, with the first taking place on February 3 and 4 in Playa del Carmen. According to Empty the Tanks, peaceful protests are also planned for May 11 and 12 in countries including the United States, Canada, England, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, and China. In Mexico alone, over 400 mammals are currently living in captivity.