The Hyatt Ziva Cancún, located in Cancún, Mexico, has been leasing the former pool area to Delphinus, a "dolphin experience" operator, since 2015.

Drone video from May 2026, supplied by marine animal advocacy organization TideBreakers, depicts the dolphins either circling repetitively or drifting listlessly near the gate. Throughout each day, the creatures endure multiple public encounters, severely restricting opportunities for natural social interactions, according to TideBreakers.

Marketa Schusterova, co-founder of TideBreakers, toured the facility in May and described the animals as living in "poor conditions," housed in shallow enclosures with inadequate shade and virtually no rest periods.

The advocacy group has initiated an international campaign urging consumers to avoid Hyatt properties until the hotel chain terminates its rental agreement with Delphinus.

Schusterova stated: "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.

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The dolphins don't have enough room or any shade (Image: undefined)

"They are not medically looked after well, appear thin, have damage and scars on their bodies and they are clearly distressed," said Marketa Schusterova

"There is zero possibility of any kind of normal social behavior as they might experience it in the wild," she added.

In response, a Hyatt Ziva Cancún spokesperson stated: "We understand the concerns raised regarding the dolphins at the resort."

"While the dolphin habitat and program at the resort are operated and managed by a third party, Delphinus, we want all services and experiences offered at our hotel to meet our high standards."

"Delphinus is an organization accredited by Mexican authorities and international agencies and is responsible for the care of the dolphins, including support from trained animal care and veterinary professionals."

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Delphinus has faced numerous complaints regarding animal welfare, customer service, and deceptive business practices across its various locations in Mexico, including a formal complaint filed through PETA.The complaint was filed by a former employee who worked as a photographer at the Delphinus Xcaret location, who exposed systemic cruelty behind the scenes. Delphinus has yet to issue a response to requests for comment.