The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection confirmed the imposition of measures against the Veracruz Aquarium after verifying that dolphins and sea lions were forced to perform in shows Recreational activities. The authorities determined that these practices violated animal welfare through public routines involving acrobatics, dancing, and jumping.
In accordance with the Resolution Agreement of the file PPFA/36.3/3S.6/0115-24, owned by Mariana Boy Tamborrell, the specimens were subjected to prohibited recreational use. Although Profepa has not yet announced the details, the institution indicated that there will be sanctions and that other administrative procedures remain open in the premises.
What Profepa determined
The official inspection concluded that marine mammals were “subdued and forced” to perform acts in front of the public, including somersaults, dances, and jumps, in violation of current regulations. The discovery confirms mistreatment during the training and exhibition process, in addition to demonstrating an operation focused on entertainment.
The agency confirmed the sanctioning resolution but, for the moment, without specifying the type of sanction (fines, closures or corrective measures), since there are parallel files under evaluation regarding veterinary management and compliance with welfare protocols.
The law that prohibits shows with marine mammals
Since the reform of 2023 to the General Wildlife LawIn Mexico, it is prohibited to hold shows, training sessions, or presentations with dolphins, sea lions, seals, or manatees. Their maintenance and handling are only permitted for educational or conservation purposes, and only under express authorization from Semarnat.
The same regulation establishes that whoever fails to comply with these provisions incurs punishable administrative offense, so Profepa's actions are part of the direct application of the law against unauthorized recreational presentations.
The complaint that triggered the investigation
The case was opened after the formal complaint presented in 2024 by José González Martínez, president of the Veracruz Association for Environmental Awareness. The activist contributed videos and reports that documented forced routines and the construction of a “lobarium"for exhibition purposes, despite the ban.
After learning of the resolution, González Martínez considered that it is an official recognition of abuse and a step forward in the defense of marine faunaHis statement prompted the federal inspection that led to the sanctioning decision.
Possible consequences and deadlines
While waiting for the amounts and measures to be finalized, the authority reminded that marine mammals can only be used for scientific, educational, research, conservation, or reintroduction purposes, always under authorized protocols. In this context, the aquarium could be required to relocate the animals in sanctuaries or marine pens with seawater exchange.
The guidelines contemplate compliance windows that, depending on the case, could range from 18 months up to 8 years to complete relocations and adjustments. If compliance is not proven, Profepa may consider additional measures, including temporary closure, in addition to new fines or conditions.
Reactions and institutional context
Environmental organizations have supported the decision and are calling for inspections to be expanded to other centers to ensure the shows are stopped. When contacted by the press, Profepa responded that the specific sanctions “not yet defined”, since there are other procedures running in place.
For its part, the Veracruz Aquarium has not made a public statement; internal sources indicate that a possible one is being prepared. administrative appeal. In parallel, the authority's actions are part of a stricter supervision, following recent cases such as when Profepa closed La Pastora Park due to failures in animal care.
The case demonstrates that the current legal framework leaves little room for wildlife shows, and that noncompliance has consequences. The ruling confirming abuse, the issuance of sanctions, and the obligation to redirect the handling of the specimens they draw a change of cycle in the relationship between entertainment and animal welfare in Mexico.