Florida Marine Park Under Investigation for Animal Welfare Violations

The Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, faces scrutiny from law enforcement and wildlife agencies amid allegations of poor animal welfare, coinciding with the deaths of four dolphins in the past year.

US law enforcement and wildlife officials have launched an investigation into Gulf World Marine Park, a facility located in Panama City Beach, Florida, amid serious allegations of animal abuse. Reports have emerged that four dolphins have died at the park within the last year, raising significant concerns from animal rights activists and the public alike.

The investigation was prompted by drone footage shared by animal rights activists, displaying dolphins swimming in murky green water, indicative of potentially poor living conditions. Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, asserted his commitment to uphold animal welfare and stated that "any evidence of animal abuse will not be tolerated."

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, alongside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), executed a search warrant at the request of Uthmeier. This legal action came after reports indicated that staff from the Dolphin Company, the park's owner, had obstructed FWC officials from conducting welfare checks on the dolphins.

In October, three dolphins were reported dead, with a fourth reportedly passing away earlier this month after injuring itself while performing tricks in a shallow pool, drawing further criticism and concern regarding the park's practices.

The Dolphin Company's website lists various species including bottlenose dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, sea lions, and a range of birds and reptiles as part of their exhibits. Phil Demers, director of UrgentSeas, an animal welfare organization, voiced his alarm over the situation at the park, stating, “We’ve been documenting and publishing videos of Gulf World's distressing conditions and will continue until those animals are urgently rescued.” He expressed his fears that the dolphins will continue to suffer if they remain in their current environment as conditions worsen.