Another Florida theme park has quietly shut its gates for good—this time under the weight of controversy, financial trouble, and a growing outcry over animal welfare.
Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach has officially closed, marking the end of operations at one of The Dolphin Company’s most heavily scrutinized properties. The closure follows months of turmoil for the company, which also owns Miami Seaquarium and Marineland Dolphin Adventure.
None of the parks has managed to escape public or legal scrutiny.
Animal Deaths and Raids Prelude Permanent Florida Theme Park Closure
Gulf World had already been closed to guests since May, following the death of a bottlenose dolphin named Samira. Over the course of just eight months, five dolphins died at the park—prompting Florida Sen. Jay Trumbull to call for the immediate removal of all remaining animals and triggering a state-led raid on the facility.
At the same time, The Dolphin Company was spiraling. The group filed for bankruptcy on March 31, citing years of neglect by the Company’s previous management team. Not long after, its former CEO reportedly returned to the company’s Mexican headquarters flanked by 20 armed men, attempting to retake control of the business.
Meanwhile, Miami Seaquarium—also owned by The Dolphin Company—faced an eviction attempt from Miami-Dade County over unpaid rent and repeated USDA violations, including reports of injured animals and hazardous enclosures.
Land Now Listed in Distress Sale
The Gulf World property, located at 15412 Front Beach Road, is now listed for sale on LoopNet as part of a broader bankruptcy deal. The nearly seven-acre site is zoned for tourist development and assessed at $2.3 million. There’s no listed asking price, but the sale is labeled “distress,” meaning it’s likely to go for less than market value.
According to the listing, drive-through and outdoor operations may be permitted, though no animal use is being considered. In bankruptcy court, Gulf World was categorized as real estate rather than an active facility, with filings confirming the intent to find an alternate use for the land.
Matthew Bordwin of Keen-Summit Capital Partners, which is managing the sale, noted that an auction is expected soon and interest in the site is high.
Gulf World’s official website has since been deactivated. Visitors are redirected to a page with court documents and creditor information.
The Dolphin Company is currently in the process of selling off its animal assets, which include nearly 300 dolphins, 51 sea lions, 18 manatees, and 18 seals across 30 parks. Its remaining U.S. parks—Miami Seaquarium and Marineland—are still operating at the time of writing, but are also listed for sale.
After years of backlash and steady decline, Gulf World Marine Park is now gone for good. Whether its closure sets a precedent or simply fades from memory remains to be seen.
Did you ever visit Gulf World Marine Park?
