Marine animal rights group TideBreakers has launched a global boycott campaign against Hyatt hotels after drone footage captured six dolphins confined to a shallow concrete tank at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun resort in Mexico.
The footage, filmed in May 2026, shows the dolphins swimming in repetitive circles or floating aimlessly near the enclosure gate.
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According to TideBreakers, the resort has been leasing its former guest swimming pool to commercial dolphin experience provider Delphinus since 2015.
Concerns Over Dolphin Welfare
TideBreakers co-founder Marketa Schusterova observed the site in May and reported poor living conditions, minimal shade, and inadequate rest periods for the animals.
“These dolphins are in shallow tanks, have no escape, no shade, suffer from a constant barrage of disco music and then at night a laser show keeps them awake,” Schusterova said.
She added that the dolphins appear thin, have scars and damage on their bodies, and are clearly distressed, with no opportunity for normal social behavior.
Constant public interactions throughout the day further limit the animals from engaging in natural social behaviors, the group stated.
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Hyatt Ziva Cancun Responds
A spokesperson for Hyatt Ziva Cancun said the resort is aware of public concerns and expects all third-party services to meet high operational standards.
“While the dolphin habitat and program are operated and managed by a third party, Delphinus, we want all services and experiences offered at our hotel to meet our high standards,” the spokesperson said.
The resort added that Delphinus is accredited by Mexican authorities and international agencies, with trained animal care and veterinary professionals responsible for the dolphins.
Delphinus has not yet issued a statement regarding the allegations.
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According to Whale and Dolphin Conservation, approximately 3,600 to 3,700 cetaceans are held across 345 facilities globally, with China, Japan, the United States, Mexico, and Russia having the highest concentrations.
