After months of growing concern and public scrutiny, one Florida theme park is beginning to transfer its remaining dolphins to other facilities.
Gulf World Marine Park, located in Panama City Beach, has come under fire following the deaths of five dolphins since October, the most recent being a 9-year-old bottlenose dolphin named Samira. The park has since closed temporarily, and its parent company is now facing a criminal investigation.
Animal welfare advocates and state officials have increasingly called for accountability. Florida Sen. Jay Trumbull described the series of deaths as “disturbing and unacceptable” and demanded the immediate relocation of the park’s surviving dolphins. Attorney General James Uthmeier has also launched a statewide investigation into Gulf World and its owner, The Dolphin Company.
Seven Bottlenose Dolphins Set for Transfer
The Dolphin Company confirmed this week that seven bottlenose dolphins will be moved from Gulf World to Marineland Dolphin Adventure in St. Augustine. The decision followed the issuance of an emergency waiver by NOAA on May 30, as reported by WJHG. A day later, activist group TideBreakers shared footage on social media of what it said were preparations for the transfer.
However, Marineland Dolphin Adventure is also owned by The Dolphin Company—which is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings—and has faced operational challenges of its own. A recent inspection of Marineland noted flaking paint, damaged concrete, improperly stored medication, and fencing concerns.
TideBreakers criticized the decision, writing: “According to recent media report the 7 bottlenose dolphins will be moved from Gulf World to Marineland in St. Augustine, another deplorable hell hole owned by The Dolphin Company, who is under criminal investigation by the state of Florida. More updates soon.”
BREAKING:
According to recent media report the 7 bottlenose dolphins will be moved from Gulf World to Marineland in St. Augustine, another deplorable hell hole owned by The Dolphin Company, who is under criminal investigation by the state of Florida.
More updates soon. pic.twitter.com/X4nTHP661O— TideBreakers (@tide_breakers) June 2, 2025
Four More Dolphins Headed to Clearwater
In addition to the bottlenose dolphins, four rough-toothed dolphins are reportedly slated to be relocated to Clearwater Marine Aquarium—a separate facility not owned by The Dolphin Company. As of May 31, drone footage from TideBreakers indicated that all 11 dolphins were still on Gulf World’s premises.
Gulf World has maintained a public silence for much of the controversy but eventually issued a statement blaming past management for the current situation. “Gulf World experienced years of neglect by the Company’s previous Mexico-based management team,” it said. “The fiduciaries continue to pursue all remedies available in the bankruptcy proceedings to obtain the records and access to information necessary to provide for the health and welfare of all the Company’s animals.”
Protestors have gathered outside the park in recent days, including organizer Jamie Marghany, who told the News Herald she was trespassed from the property during a demonstration.
The Dolphin Company also owns the Miami Seaquarium, another facility embroiled in controversy that has been facing eviction since 2024. The growing scrutiny across multiple properties suggests a broader reckoning may be coming for private marine parks in the state.
Whether the planned relocations will result in better living conditions for the animals remains uncertain. For now, Gulf World remains closed, with no reopening date announced.
What do you think is the best solution for Gulf World Marine Park?
