Solomon Island Dolphins being loaded onto plane bound for Mexico. Credit: AFP Torsten BLACKWOOD

Mexico is poised to pass a proposed law that would prohibit the import and export of any species of marine mammal or primate. It is imperative that the Mexican Senate knows that the eyes of the world are upon it as it considers this vital piece of legislation. Please take a moment to send your letter of support today.

The bill in question, Proyecto de Decreto Mediante el Cual se Adicionan un Articulo 55 bis y un Parrafo Tercero al Articulo 60 bis Ambos de la Ley General de Vida Silvestre, was introduced by deputy Diego Cobo Terrazas of the Green Party in April 2003. Though the measure passed in the lower chamber of the government months ago, it has stalled in the senate after the wealthy and powerful captive dolphin industry voiced its strong opposition to the bill.

Despite the fact that Mexico passed a moratorium on capturing wild dolphins from its own waters in 2001, the country imports enough animals to make it one of the fastest growing dolphin captivity centers in the world. Only months ago, Mexico imported 28 wild-caught dolphins from the Solomon Islands to fill up its swim-with-dolphin programs and dolphinariums. Since then at least one of the dolphins has died, and others are reported to be sick.

WSPA opposes captive dolphin programs because of the cruelty associated with this industry that keeps highly intelligent, social creatures in an unnatural and oppressive environment. No captive facility - no matter how large or how natural it seems or how well trained its staff - can ensure the long-term welfare of dolphins, nor can it ever hope to simulate the wonders of a life of freedom. WSPA wants to see to it that no more dolphins are ripped from the oceans to spend their lives in a Mexican theme park and is working with the Mexican Marine Mammal Conservation Association (COMARINO) and other local groups to make sure this happens.

This new law will finally take Mexico out of the dolphin dealing business once and for all. Please take a few moments to submit a letter of encouragement and support to the Mexican Senate and ask them to pass the amended environmental protection law.