“Disturbing and Unacceptable” Death Toll Mounts at Controversial Florida Theme Park

The global conversation around marine mammal captivity changed forever in 2013. That year, Blackfish premiered, placing SeaWorld—and its treatment of orcas—under an international microscope. The fallout was swift: declining ticket sales, canceled partnerships, and the eventual phasing out of SeaWorld’s orca breeding program. But while SeaWorld became the face of the movement, scrutiny soon spread beyond orcas and across the marine park industry.

In Florida, public focus has shifted to Gulf World Marine Park, a long-operating facility in Panama City Beach. Owned by The Dolphin Company, Gulf World has recently come under fire following a series of dolphin deaths, facility citations, and renewed protests. Once a popular stop for tourists visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast, the park is now facing growing calls for closure amid allegations of animal mistreatment.

Fifth Dolphin Death Sparks Statewide Outcry

In May, the park confirmed the death of yet another dolphin—the fifth since October 2024. Florida Senator Jay Trumbull described the situation as “disturbing and unacceptable” (via WIFR).

The senator noted that his office had been working closely with both the FWC and the USDA, and was in touch with aquariums, including SeaWorld, that expressed willingness to take in the animals.

“We believe that through the state attorney, that if an animal cruelty case was brought along, then FWC would have authority to shut it down and to remove the dolphins, and so that’s our goal right now,” he said. “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.”

The death followed a string of prior incidents at the facility—including one in which a dolphin reportedly died after crashing head-first into the shallow end of a pool during a public show. Animal rights groups have argued that the combination of high mortality rates and outdated infrastructure makes continued operation untenable.

Investigations and Protests Mount

In March 2025, the FWC, USDA, and local law enforcement raided Gulf World following mounting reports of unsafe and unsanitary conditions. According to the USDA, the park had been cited multiple times since 2014. A January inspection noted rusted sea lion pools, cracked concrete near dolphin enclosures, and contaminated water. Officials also raised concerns about the lack of adequate shade for the animals.

Phil Demers, executive director of Canadian nonprofit Urgent Seas, called the conditions “among the worst we’ve ever observed.” He added, “The sheer number of dead dolphins over such a short period of time is shocking and inexcusable, yet Gulf World continues to operate without repercussions.”

Former SeaWorld Orlando trainer Valerie Greene shared similar concerns after the previous three dolphin deaths, stating the park “has devolved into a roadside attraction.” She pointed to deteriorating infrastructure and raised concerns about possible exposure to pathogens from nearby construction. “The animal tanks are no bigger than hotel swimming pools, and they’re falling apart,” she told the Panama City News Herald.

As criticism intensifies, so too has public pressure. Protestors have repeatedly gathered outside the park carrying signs that read “DON’T GO IN” and “5 dolphins dead in 8 MONTHS.” Florida Congressman Neal Dunn has joined calls for reform, describing the animals’ conditions as “totally unacceptable” and demanding swift action from regulators.

Gulf World Marine Park has since announced a temporary closure but has not specified a reason. The Dolphin Company, which owns Gulf World through its Dolphin Discovery brand, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. in March 2025, having previously made a financial filing in Mexico in the previous month. The company cited restructuring needs, but critics argue it’s another sign of a system in crisis.

Have you ever visited Gulf World Marine Park?