Fromdolphinariumsto seasidesanctuaries.
A historic step
Mexico opened the door to change.
In 2025, Mexico took a historic step by reforming its General Wildlife Law and prohibiting the breeding of marine mammals in captivity, marking the beginning of the end of the country's dolphinarium industry.
Passing a law, however, is only the beginning. Hundreds of dolphins, sea lions, and manatees still live in captivity and need a responsible transition that safeguards their wellbeing.
At Empty the Tanks Mexico, we believe that closing dolphinariums must be accompanied by real solutions for the animals.
Real solutions
Closure must come with a dignified future.
We are therefore advancing Mexico's first Wildlife Conservation and Research Center (CIVS) dedicated to marine mammals: a place designed for rehabilitation, wellbeing, and the transition of animals from captivity.
This project is an opportunity to replace an entertainment-based industry with a model centered on science, conservation, and animal wellbeing.
We are not working alone. We collaborate with specialists, national and international organizations, and authorities to make this vision real.
Our work
What are we doing?
Designing a national transition strategy for captive marine mammals.
Advancing the first CIVS dedicated to marine mammals.
Identifying suitable locations for future seaside sanctuaries.
Developing public-policy proposals with specialists.
Promoting scientific and ethical standards for rehabilitation and care.
Producing the research and evidence needed to support this transition.
Our vision
Building the future that comes next.
We imagine a Mexico where no marine mammal is used for entertainment.
A country where dolphinariums belong to the past and where animals living in captivity can access spaces that prioritize their wellbeing, rehabilitation, and—where possible—a return to more natural environments.
Because closing a dolphinarium is only the first step. Our goal is to build the future that comes next.