URGENT Stop dolphin imports and transfers in Mexico

In July 2003 Mexican authorities were subject to much international condemnation following the importation of 28 dolphins captured from the wild in the Solomon Islands. The dolphins were held at Parque Nizuc in Cancun. Shortly after their import it was reported that dolphin deaths had occurred and the facility was closed to allow investigations to be carried out. Concerns were raised due to the fact that the imported dolphins were a different species from those already held at the facility, and CITES regulations state that exotic species should not be introduced into a protected area due to the possibility of transferring any infection to the local species. It has now been proven that some of the imported animals tested positive for disease which can endanger local marine life. There have also been reports of three dolphin deaths since importation plus two calves born at Parque Nizuc which did not survive. Subsequently, fears were raised as to the legality of documentation provided relating to the captures and import. Our colleagues in Mexico now tell us that following this, the owners of the facility were instructed that none of the dolphins should be moved or transferred until the criminal judge determined the fate of the animals. DESPITE THIS the owners recently moved 15 of the animals to their new facility Playa Palancar in Cozumel. Laws have quite clearly been violated. In view of these facts, we ask on behalf of all concerned with dolphin welfare worldwide that the President intervene immediately, arrange for all of the imported dolphins to be confiscated, returned to the Solomon Islands, and released back into the wild in the waters from which they were so horrifically captured.