At the same time, Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach has been under extreme firestorm. Numerous bottlenose dolphins have perished there, leading the state’s Department of Environmental Protection to launch an investigation. Environmental activist groups are ringing the alarm bells over the park’s deteriorating conditions. Of these, the Canada-based non-profit Urgent Seas says these are the worst they’ve ever seen. In October, after the deaths of three dolphins, a state investigation was initiated. Tensions originally boiled over after a fourth dolphin unexpectedly died of self-injury during a live public show earlier this month.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s marine mammal inventory reports documented the causes of death for the three dolphins: Gus, a 14-year-old, was euthanized due to an unspecified life-threatening condition. Turk, aged 15, suffered from bacterial lung disease. Nate, a 20-year-old, succumbed to a systemic infection. Expanding Urgent Seas, plant and non-point source pollution is Urgent Seas’ degradation of the park’s environment is a key cause of these dolphin deaths. They caution that if conditions are not improved, more dolphins will continue to die.
Phil Demers, Executive Director of Urgent Seas, drove home the gravity of the situation.
“The conditions at Gulf World are among the worst we’ve ever observed.” – Phil Demers, Urgent Seas
The Florida attorney general’s office was not immediately available for comment, as this is an ongoing investigation. James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General, stated:
“Today, at my direction, FDLE and FWC executed a search warrant at the Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach.” – James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General
On Thursday evening, our FDLE and USDA agents went into action. They executed a search warrant in the course of their operation. The owners of Gulf World, Mexico-based Dolphin Company, denied Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rangers access to the facility for a wellness check. This refusal triggered the search.
The FWC stood shoulder to shoulder with our local and state partners during this extensive investigation. FWC released a statement highlighting the rationale behind their involvement:
“Due to growing concerns about the sanitation and condition of aquatic enclosures, as well as the wellbeing of captive bottlenose dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park, FWC has joined local and state partner agencies to conduct a thorough investigation of the facility.” – FWC
Even beyond animal activist organizations, these concerns reached USDA inspectors, who observed dangerously low staffing levels at Gulf World Marine Park.
“The safety and humane treatment of these animals are of the utmost importance, and we remain committed to ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect them.” – FWC
With activists calling for an end to breeding dolphins for profit and urging more humane treatment for these sociable creatures, organizations are emphasizing the need for change.
“It is evident that the facility does not have enough employees to maintain the prescribed level of husbandry.” – USDA inspectors
With activists calling for an end to breeding dolphins for profit and urging more humane treatment for these sociable creatures, organizations are emphasizing the need for change.
“Dolphins are charismatic and social beings who deserve more than a lifetime in unnatural and cruel conditions. Entertaining tourists is not a justification for their suffering.” – World Animal Protection