Delphinus: the First Institution in Mexico to Earn the International Humane Conservation Certification
Delphinus is the first institution in Mexico to earn the International Humane Conservation Certification, showcasing its commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
Talking about animal welfare means going beyond good intentions. Today, zoological institutions around the world are evaluated according to increasingly demanding scientific and technical standards to demonstrate that the animals in their care receive quality attention, suitable environments, and programs focused on their welfare.
In this context, Delphinus made history worldwide by becoming the first institution to receive an international certification from one of the world’s most recognized organizations in animal welfare.
A Recognition That Made History
In 2016, Delphinus was recognized in Washington, D.C., as one of the first four institutions in the world—and the first in Mexico—to receive the Humane Conservation certification. This recognition distinguishes organizations that demonstrate, through independent audits, high standards in the care and welfare of the animals under their responsibility.
The certification was developed by American Humane as the first international program focused exclusively on evaluating the welfare of animals living in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers. Its purpose is to provide an objective, science-based assessment conducted by independent specialists.
What Does the Humane Conservation Certification Mean?
According to American Humane, this program seeks to evaluate animals’ quality of life from the animals’ own perspective. The certification considers multiple aspects related to their welfare, including their living environment, veterinary care, nutrition, environmental enrichment programs, and the management practices implemented by professional teams.
Beyond a one-time inspection, this is a rigorous process that verifies whether an institution maintains robust systems to promote and protect animal welfare on an ongoing basis.
How Is the Certification Process Conducted?
The Humane Conservation certification is obtained through a two-stage process: a document review and an on-site audit. First, institutions must submit evidence regarding animal care, veterinary programs, environmental enrichment, training practices, recordkeeping systems, and emergency protocols.
Independent experts then conduct an on-site audit to evaluate animal welfare indicators such as physical condition, behavior, social interactions, veterinary care, nutrition, safety, environmental enrichment, and the exclusive use of positive reinforcement in training. Auditors also verify that staff promote animal welfare and that a robust preventive veterinary medicine program is in place.
In the case of Delphinus, each habitat was evaluated individually, resulting in a total of seven certifications and enabling its facilities to be certified under this rigorous international standard.
Why Is Independent Certification Important?
In matters of animal welfare, transparency is essential. Third-party certifications allow external specialists to review procedures, facilities, and management practices according to standardized scientific criteria. This gives both the public and the professional community confidence in an institution’s genuine commitment to the animals in its care.
By earning the Humane Conservation certification, Delphinus not only reached a milestone for the organization but also became a benchmark for Mexico within a global conversation about conservation, animal welfare, and professional responsibility.
An Achievement That Reflects a Work Philosophy
International recognition has value when it represents concrete action. In the case of Delphinus, the Humane Conservation certification supports a philosophy based on professional care, environmental education, and an ongoing commitment to the welfare of marine animals.
Becoming the first institution worldwide to earn this international certification was a historic moment, but also a responsibility: in addition to being a leader in marine mammal welfare, we will continue working to ensure that science, conservation, and animal welfare remain fundamental pillars of our daily work.
Learn more about our partnerships and certifications, and why building these relationships strengthens our animal welfare programs, on our blog; discover the story we have been building since 1990 (link to our published history blog post).
