Authorities in Florida have launched an investigation into Gulf World Marine Park following alarming allegations of animal abuse and neglect. The park, located in Panama City Beach, has faced scrutiny after reports surfaced regarding the deaths of four dolphins within the past year.
Local media outlets revealed that three dolphins died in October, while a fourth was reported dead earlier this month after an incident in which it struck its head on the bottom of a shallow pool while performing in front of spectators. UrgentSeas, an animal welfare organization, shared distressing drone footage showing dolphins swimming in murky green tanks, raising concerns about the park’s conditions.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier expressed zero tolerance for animal abuse, leading to a thorough search warrant executed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Reports indicate that the park's management had previously obstructed FWC rangers from inspecting the animals.
Phil Demers, the director of UrgentSeas, voiced serious concerns regarding the welfare of the animals at Gulf World. "We've been documenting and publishing videos of Gulf World's distressing conditions and will continue until those animals are urgently rescued," he stated, emphasizing that conditions at the facility are deteriorating.
The Dolphin Company, which operates the park, houses a variety of wildlife including bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and seals. The park has yet to respond to inquiries from the BBC regarding the ongoing situation.
