Barceló Hotel’s Dolphinarium in Mexico Suspended After Animal Cruelty Complaints

Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has suspended the activities of Barceló Hotel's dolphinarium in the Riviera Maya, following complaints of animal cruelty. The decision came after a video circulated in February 2025 showing a dolphin hitting the ground after performing a pirouette, as well as the deaths of two dolphins in 2024 at the same hotel. Profepa will conduct inspections in all dolphinariums in Mexico to ensure the animals receive dignified treatment.

The hotel continues to operate despite the suspension of the dolphinarium. Animal protection groups have criticized Barceló for holding shows without proper permits and for the poor conditions at the facility. Other dolphinariums around the world, including Marineland Antibes in France, have also closed recently due to bans on shows with cetaceans such as dolphins and whales.