An aquarium has been forced to close after the appalling treatment of dolphins was captured on camera.
Phil Demers, director of UrgentSeas, says the mammals were being imprisoned in small, dirty pools.
He called the treatment “unacceptable”.
READ MORE: Most famous alligator in Hollywood dies in captivity
“We were first alerted about the conditions months ago as we learned that authorities were allowing for repeated violations to continue at the park,” Phil, 47, told Need To Know.
“Once we saw the conditions for ourselves, we knew we had to make some noise to expose the issues.
“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.”
UrgentSeas, a non-profit organisation that works to expose cruel captive dolphin and whale facilities, found that the institution was mistreating and imprisoning dolphins in extremely small pools.
One video showed two dolphins swimming aimlessly round a small, dirty pool.
And an image captured by Phil shows a closure sign on the front of the park.
Phil said: “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 establishment, Dolphinaris Barceló, in Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico, is currently closed.
In a post to X, authorities wrote: “Today, Profepa imposed the definitive total closure of the Dolphinaris Barceló 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.”
Phil, from Niagara Falls, Canada, added: “But our work isn’t done.
“Now we must ensure the safe and responsible removal and relocation of the dolphins.
“Our hope is to retire them to a sanctuary, ensuring they are relocated safely and responsibly.”
READ MORE: Giant bull weighing nearly a tonne rescued after getting trapped in bog
