Four dolphins were rescued from a failing marine park after five others tragically died – viral footage of their grim conditions sparked outrage and led to action
Four dolphins abandoned in a marine park have finally been rescued after widespread public outrage. Authorities saved Doris, Kitana, Dagny, and Wren on the morning of June 4.
The rescue followed the release of a video by TideBreakers, an animal rights group working to end captivity. The footage, which quickly gained over 120,000 views, showed the dolphins living in crumbling, outdated tanks.
Conditions in the park had already proven deadly. Tragically, five dolphins died within just eight months while the facility was still operating. The dolphins were being kept in filthy, algae-filled tanks at a marine park, even after children were left terrified when they witnessed one tragically die during a show.
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Doris, Kitana, Dagny and Wren were saved after campaigners exposed the shocking conditions they were living in.
TideBreakers – a group working to end animal captivity – sparked widespread outrage after sharing heartbreaking footage showing the mammals stuck in old, rapidly deteriorating tanks.
Dolphins Gus, Turk and Nate lost their lives in October 2024 at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. Campaigners believe nearby construction work may have played a part in their deaths.
Marketa Schusterova from TideBreakers told NeedToKnow: “We believe their deaths were likely due to inadequate precautions during construction of a nearby Top Golf location.”
Just one month later, the park’s filtration system broke down, worsening the dolphins’ already dire living conditions. Jett, a 14-year-old dolphin, fatally injured himself during a performance in front of families. The young bottlenose dove head-first into the shallows during the lunchtime show, suffering a catastrophic brain injury.
Shortly after, a fifth dolphin died at the park, aged just nine. “In March 2025, TideBreakers visited the park and were shocked that the conditions were even worse in person,” Marketa said.
“Inside the facility, we gathered extensive evidence, which became the foundation of our campaign just days later. The footage went viral, and within weeks, Gulf World was raided by local, state and federal authorities.”
On 31 March, the park’s owners, The Dolphin Company, filed for bankruptcy, further complicating efforts to remove the remaining dolphins.
“We’ve expressed concern over the water quality, which can cause a number of health issues for the dolphins,” Marketa added.
“We’re concerned that the water went from murky green to crystal clear in a matter of days. This was possibly due to large amounts of chlorine, potentially exposing the dolphins to further distress.”
Following the video’s circulation, officials called on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to intervene. Finally, yesterday, the FWC confirmed that Doris, Kitana, Dagny, and Wren had been rescued.
They were transported from Panama City to Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) in Clearwater, Florida, where they will now receive full-time care. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has deemed the dolphins “non-releasable,” meaning they cannot return to the wild.
In a statement, the FWC said: “FWC Law Enforcement remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting Florida’s marine life. In coordination with our partners, we’re proud to share a major step forward in the ongoing investigation at Gulf World Marine Park.
“This morning, four rescued rough-toothed dolphins – Doris, Kitana, Dagny, and Wren – were successfully transported from Panama City to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. CMA’s expert team ensured the dolphins were healthy and ready for the move.
“These dolphins, deemed non-releasable by NOAA, will now receive continued care at CMA. FWC is actively assisting our federal partners to ensure accountability and the highest level of care for these animals.”
The news has been met with relief across social media, with supporters praising those involved. Denise wrote: “Thank you for helping them.”
Kait said, “Well done, CMA.” “Bravo,” added Sarah. Laura posted: “Thanks for saving them.” “Finally. Thank you,” a fifth viewer added.