Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The Delfines en Libertad (Free Dolphins) organization reports that Vallarta Adventures, through its founder Ricardo Farkas, has declined to participate in the operation of a new Dolphinarium in the La Isla shopping plaza. The mall is currently under construction in the middle of the city's hotel zone.

According to generaciononline.com.mx, Ricardo Farkas and Delfines en Libertad representatives had a conversation, in which Farkas emphasized that neither Vallarta Adventures, nor its partners or affiliates will participate in this project; and that GICSA, the real estate company responsible for building the mall, has already been informed.

During the meeting, Farkas allegedly said that GICSA is now considering other ideas, since it has not yet begun construction of the Dolphinarium.

This comes after more than 100 activists gathered in front of the construction site on Saturday, May 7, 2016 to protest the developer's plan to install a dolphin tank within the mall. The protesters believe that dolphins should not be in captivity, much less used as a tourist attraction in a shopping plaza.

According to Commercial Director Abraham Cherem, once completed, the La Isla shopping plaza will cater to locals and tourists alike. Some of the stores expected to be in the mall are Forever 21, American Eagle, H&M, Pull, and Bear and Bershka. La Isla will also boast international restaurants, including Appleby's and Johnny Rockets, local restaurants like De Santos, and the city's first Cinépolis VIP movie theater, he said.

GICSA is a development company that has been in the business for over 25 years. They have done residential, commercial and industrial projects; but for the last ten years have focused mainly on shopping centers. They have 25 across Mexico. The one in Cancun has a dolphin and orca tank.