A fifth dolphin has died at a Florida marine park already under intense scrutiny, reigniting a fierce debate over the future of Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach.
The facility, owned by The Dolphin Company through its Dolphin Discovery brand, has faced mounting backlash from animal rights groups, lawmakers, and the public. The death marks the fifth since October 2024, an alarming statistic that critics say points to systemic issues at the park.
SeaWorld once bore the brunt of criticism for marine mammal captivity after the 2013 release of Blackfish, a documentary that exposed the psychological damage suffered by orcas in confinement. The fallout prompted major changes at SeaWorld, including the end of its orca breeding program. Now, attention has shifted to other facilities, with Gulf World emerging as a focal point amid ongoing controversy.
Officials Demand Immediate Action
Florida Senator Jay Trumbull was among the first to respond to the latest incident, calling the string of dolphin deaths “disturbing and unacceptable.” In a public statement (via WIFR), Trumbull demanded the immediate removal of the remaining dolphins and indicated his office had been in contact with both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
“This doesn’t need to continue, we don’t need to see a report next week, two weeks from now, of another dolphin passing away, we really need to act now to make sure this doesn’t happen,” Trumbull said.
He added that other Florida aquariums, including SeaWorld, were willing to take in the surviving animals. Trumbull emphasized that his office was exploring legal avenues to push the FWC toward intervention, including the possibility of pursuing animal cruelty charges.
Florida Theme Park Conditions Spark Outrage
The latest death followed a March 2025 raid conducted by local law enforcement, FWC, and USDA officials. The raid was prompted by disturbing reports of neglect and unsanitary conditions. According to USDA records, Gulf World has received multiple citations since 2014. A January 2025 inspection found rusted sea lion pools, cracked concrete around dolphin enclosures, and no shade for the animals.
Animal advocacy group Urgent Seas also played a key role in bringing attention to the facility’s issues. Executive director Phil Demers, a former marine mammal trainer, said: “The conditions at Gulf World are among the worst we’ve ever observed. The sheer number of dead dolphins over such a short period of time is shocking and inexcusable.”
Urgent Seas released drone and undercover footage showing visibly distressed dolphins and deteriorating infrastructure. The group also organized protests, urging FWC to relocate the remaining dolphins. Outside the park, demonstrators held signs reading “DON’T GO IN” and “5 dolphins dead in 8 MONTHS.”
A Troubled Facility Faces Uncertain Future
Gulf World Marine Park, established in 1969, has long been a tourist destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast. But critics argue the facility has failed to modernize. Former SeaWorld Orlando trainer Valerie Greene told the Panama City News Herald: “The animal tanks are no bigger than hotel swimming pools, and they’re falling apart.”
Greene also raised concerns that construction near the tanks may have released airborne pathogens, contributing to the dolphins’ deaths at the Florida theme park. She described the facility, which was acquired by The Dolphin Company in 2015, as having “devolved into a roadside attraction.”
The Dolphin Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2025, citing financial restructuring needs. The move has only fueled concerns over the company’s ability to provide adequate care for the animals under its stewardship.
Gulf World announced a temporary closure following the fifth death but has not offered a public explanation. As pressure from lawmakers and activists continues to mount, the future of the park—and the welfare of its remaining animals—remains uncertain.
Have you ever visited Gulf World Marine Park?
Close it. Dolphins were not put on this earth for our entertainment. Captivity is cruel and should be banned. If you want to be entertained then have the owners of this “theme” park hum through hoops!
Sorry , that’s “jump through hoops”. My anger got in the way of my proofing