Illenium-Run Ember Shores Addresses Venue’s Dolphin Abuse Allegations

“We are working closely with the resort to have the facility shut down,” reads a statement from Ember Shores.

After Ember Shores announced its 2025 venue switch to Barceló Riviera Maya south of Cancún, fans were quick to point out the claims of animal abuse levied at its onsite dolphinarium. Now, organizers of the boutique festival founded by EDM artist Illenium say that they intend to halt its operations.

According to PETA, two dolphins named Plata and Alex died in captivity at Barceló Riviera Maya due to attacks by “an incompatible tankmate,” and the tank itself isn’t even a tenth the size of the largest dolphin enclosure in Mexico. The organization also claims that the resort has no onsite veterinarian, which it notes is an “apparent violation of Mexican law.”

In a clip posted by World Animal News (that we share with a heavy trigger warning), a dolphin at Barceló Riviera Maya can also be seen attempting to perform a synchronized breaching trick and landing nose first on the concrete of the pool walkway.

When Ember Shores shared its plans to relocate this year’s event slated for December 5-7 to Barceló Riviera Maya on Monday, social media commentators spoke up. “Hi Illenium – the resort you’re holding ember shores at … abuses dolphins and keeps them in a kids sized pool that is only 2 meters deep!!” wrote one.

“Of all the possible locations,” wrote another. “Absolutely baffling choice from Illenium and his team to host Ember Shores at a new resort known for torturing and killing captive dolphins.”

Today, February 27, Ember Shores addressed the controversy in a statement. “We would like to acknowledge the concerns raised for the dolphin facility at Barceló Riviera Maya,” it reads. “After our initial investigation, we can confirm that the resort does not own the facility & that it is operated by a third-party organization. However, we are working to have the facility shut down, in alignment with our values & commitment to animal welfare.”

This year’s edition of Ember Shores follows three sold-out years at Paradisus Resort in Cancún from 2021-2023. The festival did not take place in 2024.