Dolphin shows are extremely popular with tourists visiting Los
Cabos, but new legislation suggests that they may have some issues ahead in the
shape of the recent adoption of the amendment to Article 60 of the General
Wildlife Act which prohibits the use of marine mammals in traveling shows within
Mexico.
The decree was published last January 26 in the Official
Journal of the Federation (DOF), and will come into force tomorrow.
Animal rights activist based in Los Cabos , Mariana Badillo
has called it a “positive step for the pro Animal movement in Mexico and Baja
California Sur” and added:
"Before, we had less than 20 members but it has been
growing slowly. As society grows more aware, so I think that there will be an effect
(of the ban), because in the end , these shows are used to entertain, and there
are fewer now who believe that animals should just be entertainment for humans
."
Dolphinariums have proven to be a contentious issue
worldwide with the operators stressing the benefits of public education and contact
with these intelligent cetaceans, and those opposed highlighting the cruelty of
the trade (many dolphins die en route to their pens) and the lack of humanity
in keeping such an intelligent creature, used to roaming miles of open ocean, in
such a confined space. Some countries, such as India, have now banned them
completely and the recent documentary/movies “Black Fish” and “The Cove” have heightened public the awareness of the specific issues of keeping whales and dolphins in captivity.
There is no denying their popularity with the public though,
with even Mariana admitting that "shows with marine mammals are very
popular ."
No official statement has been released by the dolphin show
operators in Los Cabos as yet.