Mexico has become one of the first countries in the world to ban dolphin shows outright, following a unanimous 99–0 Senate vote that marks a major step forward for animal protection across Latin America. The new legislation, passed on 24 June 2025, amends Mexico’s General Wildlife Law to prohibit the use of dolphins, sea lions, whales, and other marine mammals in public performances, tourist interactions and captive breeding for entertainment purposes. The only exception will be for scientific research carried out under strict government oversight.
The bill, informally known as the “Mincho Law,” was sparked by the well-publicised case of a dolphin named Mincho, who was seriously injured during a performance at a hotel resort in Quintana Roo. Trapped in a tank far too small for his size, he repeatedly struck his head on the walls during a trick, leading to a public outcry and the closure of the facility by federal environmental inspectors. As Mexico News Daily reported, the venue was fined nearly US$400,000 and became a rallying point for animal welfare activists pushing for national reform.
President Claudia Sheinbaum personally championed the bill, stating that systemic animal cruelty “is a reflection of a broader culture of violence” and that reforming how animals are treated is part of building a more compassionate society. The bill received cross-party support and now heads to the Chamber of Deputies, where its passage is widely expected.
What the ban actually does
Mexico has long been one of the biggest players in the captive marine mammal industry, with an estimated 350 dolphins held across roughly 30 facilities nationwide. These venues, often attached to resorts in tourist hotspots like Cancún and Los Cabos, offer everything from choreographed performances to “swim with dolphins” experiences that have been criticised for years by scientists and welfare groups.
The new legislation bans the use of marine mammals in any context of public entertainment. It also prohibits breeding programmes for such purposes, making it impossible for new animals to be trained or introduced into the system. Dolphins and other mammals currently in captivity will not be released into the wild—something most experts agree would be dangerous and unethical given their dependence on human care—but they will be retired from performance and allowed to live out their lives in regulated facilities.
As World Animal Protection explained, this puts an end to commercial dolphin tourism in Mexico as we know it. It also brings the country in line with others like Chile and Costa Rica, both of which have already banned captive marine mammal entertainment. Animal welfare campaigners have praised the move, calling it one of the most important legislative victories for animal rights in recent years.
Eugenia Mora, campaign manager for World Animal Protection Mexico, called the law “a historic milestone” and urged other countries to follow suit. “This marks a fundamental change in how we see and treat marine life. These animals do not belong in chlorinated tanks performing for tourists—they belong in the ocean.”
The details of how existing facilities will be regulated are still being finalised, but Mexico’s environmental protection agencies, including SEMARNAT and Profepa, will be tasked with ensuring compliance. They’ll oversee everything from enclosure size and water quality to animal health checks and ethical management of breeding and medical procedures.
The Humane Society International praised the bill’s careful design, which avoids rushing to release captive animals but still ends their exploitation. “It reflects modern understanding of sentient animal welfare,” the group said in a statement, adding that this law puts Mexico at the forefront of international best practice.
The ripple effects beyond Mexico
This ban is part of a wider shift in public attitudes across Latin America and beyond. The idea that dolphins and whales should perform tricks in tiny pools is increasingly seen as outdated, particularly as new evidence continues to emerge about the cognitive and emotional complexity of these animals. Studies have shown that dolphins suffer severe psychological stress in captivity, including repetitive behaviour, aggression, reduced lifespan and even self-harm.
Even before this law passed, countries like Chile and Costa Rica had already outlawed dolphin shows. But Mexico’s decision is especially significant because of the size of its marine entertainment industry and the influence it holds in global tourism. For decades, dolphin parks were seen as a “must-do” holiday experience in Mexico—this law flips that narrative completely.
The ban is also likely to put pressure on other major players in the industry, such as Spain and parts of the United States, where captive dolphin attractions still operate. In Florida, for example, concerns over marine mammal welfare have been growing after a string of dolphin deaths at Gulf World Marine Park, prompting renewed calls for reform. Reporting by The Guardian earlier this year revealed systemic issues in captive care, fuelling public dissatisfaction and a broader shift in tourist expectations.
In Mexico, that shift is already visible. Surveys have shown that public support for dolphin shows has declined sharply in recent years, especially among younger generations. President Sheinbaum’s administration has capitalised on that sentiment, tying animal protection to a broader agenda that includes environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and education reform. As part of Mexico’s 2024 constitutional changes, animal welfare has been elevated to a national priority, with legal rights for animals and mandatory education on animal protection in public schools.
In that context, the dolphin show ban isn’t just a legal change—it’s a cultural one.
Mexico’s decision to ban dolphin shows marks the end of a tourism model that once felt untouchable. It’s a move rooted in science, compassion and political will—and one that sends a clear message to the rest of the world: animal entertainment has no place in the modern era. While challenges lie ahead in enforcement and care for retired animals, the law itself is a powerful step forward. It acknowledges that dolphins are not performers or props—they’re sentient beings who deserve respect.