The world's saddest dolphins: Tragic footage shows pair left behind in dirty pool after aquarium shuts down

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An aquarium has been forced to close in Mexico after the appalling treatment of dolphins was exposed.

Phil Demers, director of UrgentSeas, says the mammals were being imprisoned in small, dirty pools at the Dolphinarium at Hotel Barceló.

Videos captured by the non-profit organisation, which works to expose cruel captive dolphin and whale facilities, two dolphins swimming aimlessly round the subpar facilities.

UrgentSeas say they were first contacted about the horrific conditions at Dolphinaris Barcel?, in Quintana Roo, months ago, but that authorities failed to take action.

The park was only shut down after the organisation’s videos of the dolphins sparked public outrage, according to Demers.

‘We were first alerted about the conditions months ago as we learned that authorities were allowing for repeated violations to continue at the park,’ the 47-year-old said.

‘Once we saw the conditions for ourselves, we knew we had to make some noise to expose the issues.

Videos captured by the non-profit organisation, which works to expose cruel captive dolphin and whale facilities, two dolphins swimming aimlessly round the subpar facilities

Videos captured by the non-profit organisation, which works to expose cruel captive dolphin and whale facilities, two dolphins swimming aimlessly round the subpar facilities

Phil Demers, director of UrgentSeas, says the mammals were being imprisoned in small, dirty pools at the Dolphinarium at Hotel Barceló

Phil Demers, director of UrgentSeas, says the mammals were being imprisoned in small, dirty pools at the Dolphinarium at Hotel Barceló

The park was only shut down after the organisation's videos of the dolphins sparked public outrage, according to Demers

The park was only shut down after the organisation’s videos of the dolphins sparked public outrage, according to Demers

‘The conditions were unacceptable – so much so that we felt compelled to act.

‘We started publishing videos, which went immediately viral, causing a major public outrage.

‘The reaction was powerful.

‘Their social media accounts were inundated with negative reviews and comments, and authorities were called to take actual action.

‘Authorities were finally forced to shut down the awful tank, which had been our long goal.

‘We are ecstatic that authorities have taken this action.’

The concrete pool where the animals live is located mere feet from the Caribbean Sea and is just over six feet deep, leaving the dolphins exposed to constant sunlight — which experts say can burn their skin. 

UrgentSeas had been calling for a boycott and for the release of the dolphins, which it says are being held in ‘Latin America’s smallest dolphin tank’.

In February, a video shared by UrgentSeas on social media shows three captive dolphins leaping from the water as lifejacket-clad tourists look on.

One of the dolphins, however, appears to miscalculate its jump and misjudge the edge of its enclosure, landing painfully on the edge of the pool.

The animal remains motionless as trainers rush to its aid, sparking concerns about its well-being.

The concrete pool where the animals live is located mere feet from the Caribbean Sea and is just over six feet deep, leaving the dolphins exposed to constant sunlight ¿ which experts say can burn their skin

The concrete pool where the animals live is located mere feet from the Caribbean Sea and is just over six feet deep, leaving the dolphins exposed to constant sunlight — which experts say can burn their skin

UrgentSeas had been calling for a boycott and for the release of the dolphins, which it says are being held in 'Latin America's smallest dolphin tank'

UrgentSeas had been calling for a boycott and for the release of the dolphins, which it says are being held in ‘Latin America’s smallest dolphin tank’

The owners of the aquarium were reportedly fined 7.5million pesos - around £290,000

The owners of the aquarium were reportedly fined 7.5million pesos – around £290,000

The hotel was reportedly charging guests $129 - around £97 - for a 30-minute interactive experience with the dolphins when it was operating

The hotel was reportedly charging guests $129 – around £97 – for a 30-minute interactive experience with the dolphins when it was operating

The owners of the aquarium were reportedly fined 7.5million pesos – around £290,000. 

Shockingly, the hotel was reportedly charging guests $129 – around £97 – for a 30-minute interactive experience with the dolphins when it was operating.

‘Step into a breezy open-air palapa to check in, then spend the rest of your experience surrounded by tropical paradise while you interact with the dolphins and learn how to care for the oceans surrounding the Riviera Maya,’ a website promoting the experiences read. 

‘For your comfort, you’ll also find amenities like locker rental, changing rooms, showers, and photo/video services.’

PROFEPA, the Federal Attorney’s Office for Environmental Protection, said: ‘Profepa imposed the definitive total closure of the Dolphinaris Barcel? establishment in Quintana Roo, due to various irregularities in its operation.

‘Including: lack of dignified treatment, failure to report dangerous incidents, performance of acrobatics that put the specimens at risk and are not authorised in the management plan, among the causes.’

Attorney General Mariana Boy Tamborrell added: ‘Profepa wants to emphasize that any facility that manages marine mammals has a series of responsibilities imposed by law and must fully comply with them. 

‘We reiterate our commitment to taking decisive action to ensure the dignified treatment of captive wildlife.’ 




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