Mexican Government Shuts Down Controversial Dolphin Facility at Venue of ILLENIUM's Festival, Ember Shores

Government officials have shut down the operations of a controversial dolphin attraction at the Barceló Riviera Maya, the host venue of ILLENIUM's Ember Shores festival, following a month-long investigation, Mexico News Daily reports.

The move follows months of advocacy with a recent push from the festival's organizers. The initial crackdown was triggered by a viral video showing a dolphin, Mincho, suffering a severe acrobatic injury after landing on concrete during a performance in January, along with reports of two dolphin deaths last year.

Citing inadequate conditions, a lack of proper permits and unauthorized activities, Profepa, Mexico’s environmental enforcement agency, reportedly found that the facility was in violation of multiple regulations. Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection Mariana Boy Tamborrell confirmed the shutdown on social media.