Investigation Launched into Gulf World Marine Park Over Alleged Animal Abuse

Following reports of animal abuse, authorities have raided Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, where four dolphins have died in the past year, prompting urgent calls from animal rights activists for intervention.

In a significant development, US law enforcement and wildlife officials have conducted a raid on Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, amid growing allegations of animal mistreatment. Local news outlets report that four dolphins, including three that died in October, have raised serious concerns about conditions within the park. Recent drone footage shared by animal rights activists displays dolphins swimming in murky green tanks, further igniting worries about animal welfare at the facility.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized the state's commitment to preventing animal abuse, stating, "We will not tolerate any animal abuse." In response to the concerning claims, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) executed a search warrant at the direction of Uthmeier. This action followed reports that staff from The Dolphin Company, which operates the park, had obstructed FWC rangers from inspecting the animals.

Local media suggests that the two most recent dolphin fatalities occurred as a result of accidents during performance routines, with one dolphin reportedly dying after injuring itself in the shallow end of a pool. The Gulf World Marine Park houses a variety of marine and terrestrial species, including bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and more, as noted on The Dolphin Company's website.

Animal welfare group UrgentSeas has expressed grave concerns about the facility's deteriorating conditions. Phil Demers, the organization's director, stated, "We've been documenting and publishing videos of Gulf World's distressing conditions and will continue until those animals are urgently rescued." Demers further expressed fear that the animals would remain in these adverse conditions if no immediate action is taken to ensure their welfare.