OIPA ETS has received an official response from Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) following the organization’s formal communication concerning the alleged use of wild animals for tourist entertainment at Animalandia Maya, a facility located in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo.
The authority informed OIPA that it had already been made aware of actions carried out by the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office, with the participation of the Investigative Police and the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security of Playa del Carmen. According to the official communication, these operations included an intervention at the Animalandia Maya facility during which several wild animals were placed under official protection (“asegurados”), in accordance with the federal authorities’ jurisdiction.
PROFEPA further stated that it is currently coordinating actions with the state and municipal authorities involved in the case in order to provide the necessary attention to the wildlife specimens concerned and to carry out all measures within its legal mandate to guarantee their protection and welfare, in accordance with Mexico’s General Wildlife Law and other applicable legislation.
The authority also confirmed that it will continue following the actions related to the protection, safeguarding and conservation of the wildlife species placed under official protection, while pursuing any administrative measures that may fall within its competence in coordination with the relevant institutions.
This official response follows OIPA’s previous appeal, in which the organization urged the competent Mexican authorities to investigate reports concerning the alleged exploitation of wild felines and other wildlife species for tourist entertainment at Animalandia Maya. OIPA had requested an official inspection to verify the conditions in which the animals were being kept and used, following numerous reports, testimonies, photographs and publicly available materials raising concerns about direct interactions between tourists and wild animal cubs.
OIPA welcomes the official response from the Mexican authorities and appreciates the constructive institutional dialogue established on this important matter. The organization will continue to closely monitor developments and remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife, promoting animal welfare and encouraging responsible and ethical tourism worldwide.
Read our previous article: OIPA ETS Calls on Mexican Authorities to Investigate Reports Concerning Animalandia Maya.
