Delphinus' unflagging commitment towards conservation

Delphinus, as part of the Mexican and world leading marine community, understands the tremendous potential and responsibility that comes with owning and maintaining native ocean mammals and wildlife in our habitats.

For this reason, if you come to us you will see that our Animal Care Specialists educate about wildlife biology, behavior and life, since the dolphins cared for by us are wonderful spokespersons for their fellow creatures and their ecosystems.

Unfortunately, the lesson these sea mammals are teaching us is that humans are causing major environmental issues leading to the extinction of marine animals and ecosystems due to climate change, overfishing, and plastic in the oceans, to name a few.

For this reason, Delphinus, a marine mammal expert, has been involved in wildlife protection programs for these species, including Vaquita CPR, an international and multi-institutional effort to prevent the extinction of the Vaquita (Phocoena sinus), the world's smallest porpoise and marine mammal, native to the Upper Gulf of California in Mexico. Furthermore, thanks to our visitors' help, we have donated resources for ghost net cleaning in the area where this species is sheltered.

Another way to support marine mammal conservation in their habitats is through our animal care and veterinary medicine experts' involvement in the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, thus allowing us to support the rescue, recovery and reintroduction of manatees, sea lions and dolphins found stranded on the coasts of Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Oaxaca and Chiapas.

Credentials

Our high biological, medical and professional standards have led to our habitats being awarded credentials as one of the best dolphin care and conservation organizations in the world:

• Humane Conservation
• IMATA Credential
• AMMPA Credential

In 2016 we were awarded the Humane Conservation Accreditation by the American Humane Association in Washington, D.C., as one of the first four institutions in the world and the first in Mexico to earn this accolade for the care given to our marine species.

This program is dedicated to ensuring the well-being and humane treatment of zoo and aquarium animals around the world. It has significant value as American Humane commissions marine mammal experts, third parties to itself and the accredited institution, to audit the facilities and ensure that each animal lives under animal welfare conditions.

All Delphinus habitats, including the Cancún Interactive Aquarium, are accredited by the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA). This organization works to ensure that today's zoos exclusively employ positive reinforcement training methods that avoid animal suffering or stress at all costs.

All Delphinus habitats are certified by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). This is a charitable organization that groups marine mammal zoos to encourage best practices regarding animal care and welfare, research, environmental education, and conservation among their members.

In addition, we have been awarded the Socially Responsible Company badge promoted by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy for 16 years in a row. We are also active members of the Mexican Association of Habitats for the Interaction and Protection of Mammals (AMHMAR), the Association of Zoos, Hatcheries and Aquariums of the Mexican Republic (AZCARM), and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Environmental care at Delphinus

Delphinus' environmental responsibility is one of our most important values. Our Environmental Education Plan encourages various activities focused on building and sustaining a friendly relationship with the environment:

• Beach Cleanup Program: Since 2013, Delphinus has held over 35 beach cleanup events in Quintana Roo. Almost 5 thousand volunteers have signed up for this educational partnership that allows the community to actively engage in preserving the coastal ecosystem that make up Mexico's Caribbean health and tourist attraction.
• Field Trip Program: From 2012 to 2020 we have welcomed almost 90,000 students and teachers from Quintana Roo schools at no charge, with information and activities to better understand how coastal ecosystems work, and what individual and community actions need to be taken to further our commitment to environmental care.
• Delphinus Animal Welfare: Our dolphins are the heart and core of our organization. That is why we have veterinarians, biologists and training experts who are constantly working to ensure their well-being and ideal health conditions.
  We make sure that each of the habitats meet the ideal conditions for our dolphins to thrive in a suitable environment:
• Appropriate food for each animal according to its physiology, i.e. age, sex, a pregnancy or breeding, and so on.
• Animal Preventive Medicine Model.
• Safe, clean and appropriate facilities.
• Positive training and environmental enrichment.
• Respect for species' natural behaviors.
• Supported socialization.

Animal Care and Leisure: Delphinus enables it

Dolphin swimming or performance has gained some popularity because of places where dolphin welfare is the last thing on their minds. This is not our case.

Our goal is to make swimming with dolphins not only fun, but also educational and meaningful. In this way, you will live an enriching and ecologically minded experience, together with our dolphins and the Delphinus team.

If you are planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, we suggest you visit one of our dolphin swim habitats, where you will find programs for all ages. Whether you want to experience it as an individual, in a group or as a couple, we have the ideal plan for you.

What do you think? Ready to experience Delphinus? Book now! Our dolphins are looking forward to your learning, experiencing and playing with them.