The authority informed OIPA that it had already been made aware of actions carried out by the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office, with the participation of the Investigative Police and the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security of Playa del Carmen. According to the official communication, these operations included an intervention at the Animalandia Maya facility during which several wild animals were placed under official protection (“asegurados”), in accordance with the federal authorities’ jurisdiction.

PROFEPA further stated that it is currently coordinating actions with the state and municipal authorities involved in the case in order to provide the necessary attention to the wildlife specimens concerned and to carry out all measures within its legal mandate to guarantee their protection and welfare, in accordance with Mexico’s General Wildlife Law and other applicable legislation.

The authority also confirmed that it will continue following the actions related to the protection, safeguarding and conservation of the wildlife species placed under official protection, while pursuing any administrative measures that may fall within its competence in coordination with the relevant institutions.

This official response follows OIPA’s previous appeal, in which the organization urged the competent Mexican authorities to investigate reports concerning the alleged exploitation of wild felines and other wildlife species for tourist entertainment at Animalandia Maya. OIPA had requested an official inspection to verify the conditions in which the animals were being kept and used, following numerous reports, testimonies, photographs and publicly available materials raising concerns about direct interactions between tourists and wild animal cubs.

OIPA welcomes the official response from the Mexican authorities and appreciates the constructive institutional dialogue established on this important matter. The organization will continue to closely monitor developments and remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife, promoting animal welfare and encouraging responsible and ethical tourism worldwide.

Read our previous article: OIPA ETS Calls on Mexican Authorities to Investigate Reports Concerning Animalandia Maya.

L'articolo Animalandia Maya: Mexican Authorities Respond to OIPA’s Appeal and Confirm Ongoing Wildlife Protection Measures proviene da OIPA.

In recent weeks, OIPA has received multiple reports, testimonies, photographs, and publicly available materials describing activities that allegedly allow tourists to interact with young wild animals, including cubs of different feline species and other wildlife, often through direct contact and photo opportunities.

Information and background materials regarding this case were also shared with OIPA with the support of the Mexican animal protection organization Animal Heroes, which has been actively raising awareness about the situation.

The case involving Animalandia Maya in Playa del Carmen has generated growing international concern, with numerous citizens, visitors, and animal protection advocates sending reports and information about the alleged exploitation of wild animals for tourist entertainment.

Wildlife experts and animal welfare organizations widely warn that the use of wild animal cubs for tourist entertainment and direct interaction with visitors can expose animals to stress, improper handling, and conditions that may compromise their welfare.

According to several reports received by OIPA, some of the animals shown in the materials appear to be handled repeatedly throughout the day, even at a very young age, raising serious concerns about their welfare. In some cases, observers have also suggested that the animals may appear unusually lethargic or passive during interactions with tourists, which has raised concerns about the possible use of sedation or other practices intended to facilitate handling.

Wildlife specialists also note that facilities offering tourist interactions with cubs often separate young animals from their mothers at an early age, a practice that can have significant consequences for their development and well-being.

In light of these reports, OIPA has submitted a formal communication to the competent Mexican authorities, requesting an urgent review of the situation and an official inspection to verify the conditions in which the animals at Animalandia Maya are kept and used.

OIPA notes that the commercial use of wild animals for tourist entertainment, particularly when it involves very young individuals, raises important concerns under Mexico’s Ley General de Vida Silvestre, which regulates the management and use of wildlife.

If confirmed, the practices described in the reports may also require careful assessment under other applicable legal provisions, including the Código Penal Federal relating to crimes against wildlife, as well as Mexico’s international commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

OIPA has therefore urged the authorities to examine the situation at Animalandia Maya with due attention and transparency, and to take any necessary measures to ensure that wildlife is protected and not subjected to exploitation for commercial tourist activities.

The organization will continue to closely monitor developments in the Animalandia Maya case and reiterates its commitment to promoting the protection of wildlife and encouraging responsible and ethical tourism worldwide.

L'articolo OIPA ETS Calls for Urgent Investigation and Notifies Mexican Authorities About Wildlife Cub Exploitation at Animalandia Maya proviene da OIPA.

Mexico has long been one of the countries with the highest number of dolphins kept in captivity, primarily in marine parks and tourist facilities. In recent years, however, growing public concern and political debate have led to regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening animal welfare standards and reducing the exploitation of marine mammals for entertainment.

According to recent updates, discussions are underway regarding the transfer of dolphins from existing facilities to alternative environments, including the possibility of establishing or using coastal sanctuaries designed to provide more natural living conditions. While details on timelines and logistical arrangements remain under evaluation, the reported movement signals a shift in how marine mammals are managed within the country.

The issue of dolphins in captivity remains highly debated worldwide. Scientific research has long highlighted the complex social structures, cognitive capacities and spatial needs of cetaceans, raising concerns about confinement in artificial environments. Several countries have already adopted restrictions or bans on breeding, performances or new captivity permits, reflecting a broader global reassessment of the ethics of marine mammal entertainment.

OIPA ETS has long been active on this front through its Aquarius and Dolphinariums campaigns, which focus on the protection of aquatic animals and the progressive phase-out of captivity practices affecting dolphins, sea lions and other species. Through these initiatives, OIPA promotes science-based welfare standards, public awareness, and policy reform aimed at ending the exploitation of cetaceans for commercial entertainment.

As part of its advocacy, OIPA encourages citizens to take concrete action:

• Do not visit aquariums or dolphinariums, and avoid bringing children to facilities where marine mammals are kept for shows. Such venues confine highly intelligent animals to artificial spaces that do not meet their natural needs and may cause chronic stress and suffering.
• Choose cruelty-free and educational alternatives to learn about marine life. Documentaries, books and scientific publications offer valuable insights without supporting captivity. Observing marine ecosystems responsibly in the wild, when possible, also allows people to appreciate sea life in its natural environment.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Those who wish to support OIPA’s advocacy work against the exploitation of dolphins in aquariums and dolphinariums can contribute by making a donation to OIPA International and indicating the reference “Donation OIPA – Stop Dolphin Captivity”,  specifying the amount.

L'articolo Towards the End of Dolphin Shows? Mexico Approaches a 2026 Legislative Turning Point proviene da OIPA.