Monday, September 8, 2014 5:35 PM
Rob Kinnon
Protesting Dolphin Captivity in Playa del Carmen
Dolphin captivity is turning into
a hot topic here in the Riviera Maya. Recent documentaries like The Cove and
Blackfish have shed much-needed light on a global scale about how cetaceans like
dolphins and orcas (killer whales) are placed in captivity and the treatment
they receive.
Here in the Riviera Maya, Cancun,
Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, dolphin swims are one of the most popular tours
available for travelers visiting this region of Mexico, in addition to swims
with other marine animals like sea lions and manatees. A variety of local
companies have numerous dolphin swim locations throughout the area, whether it's
at a resort, at a park or on its own. While these companies offer well-tended facilities and adequate
medical treatment to provide Riviera Maya dolphins with a healthy lifestyle, a
dolphin's life in captivity can never compare with life in their natural
habitat. As much as they might try, dolphin tour facilities cannot offer the
freedom, space, social environment, diet and exercise that these fascinating
creatures need to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Riviera Maya citizens will come
together this Saturday, September 13 in Playa del Carmen to protest dolphin
captivity in Mexico. If you'd like to join in for this worthy environmental
cause, meet at the Portal Maya statue in Playa del Carmen (on the beach by
Parque Fundadores, near the Cozumel ferry) at 3pm.
The Riviera Maya is one of the
world's top travel locations, and it's up to us to set the example for destinations
all over the globe by spreading the word about the dangers and injustices of
dolphin captivity.
The Riviera Maya city of Playa
del Carmen has already made a huge difference in animal rights by eliminating
permit renewals for wildlife exploitation on 5th Avenue. It's time for the
community to come together once again and fight for the rights of our dolphin
friends.
For more information on Saturday's
protest, visit their event page on Facebook.