Dolphins are still trapped in filthy tanks at a bankrupt marine park where one died in front of children during a show, sparking urgent calls for rescue amid claims of neglect
Dolphins are still 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.
Four of the dolphins at Gulf World in Panama City Beach, Florida, have sadly died in mysterious circumstances within six months, including one in March that landed on its head in front of children.
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.
Crying park staff had to urgently usher families from the arena as medics tried to save him. Experts believe Jett may have misjudged his jump due to the murky water, a condition campaigners say has plagued the park for months, putting the animals at serious risk.
READ MORE: Dolphins trapped in bankrupt marine park ‘going blind with eyes jammed shut’
Three more dolphins died within a week of each other last October. Gus, 14, was euthanised for a life-threatening condition, 15-year-old Turk contracted a bacterial lung disease, and Nate, 20, died from systemic infection, according to the Marine Mammal Inventory Report.
In the wild, bottlenose dolphins can live up to 40 years. Yet despite these losses and the park’s worsening conditions, other dolphins remain trapped.
Gulf World continues to offer swim-with experiences for around £97, where customers are allowed to hug and pose with the captive mammals, which have been filmed swimming with their eyes “jammed shut” in the murky water.
The bottlenose dolphins are still performing tricks for crowds while enduring daily human encounters, even as their tanks have reportedly become unsafe. In January, U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors said they found thick green algae growing in the crumbling pools, with six inches of it scraped from just one step.
Filtration systems in the main tanks are said to have failed and one reportedly stopped working entirely in November, while the other only operates at half capacity. That’s left the animals swimming in stagnant, polluted water for over six months.
To combat the algae, staff “shocked” the tanks with granular chlorine, a treatment known to cause blindness in dolphins after repeated exposure. Campaign footage shows water in the interaction tank looking cleaner, but experts worry this could be the result of heavy chlorine use.
Tidebreakers campaigners said: “Despite Gulf World’s owners filing for bankruptcy, and two consecutive raids by local, state and federal authorities, the park remains open. The water is still green and the tanks are filled with algae. Dolphins are still being kept in tiny holding tanks. Swimming with their eyes jammed shut in the murky water.”
The park, once considered a family attraction, has become the focus of growing concern from both the public and authorities. In the latest blow, the city of Panama City Beach issued an abatement letter following a March inspection that found unsafe electrical systems, deteriorating tanks, and structural issues that pose an “immediate threat to safety”.
The letter told Gulf World to vacate the unsafe areas immediately and gave it 30 days to obtain permits and start the repair work. If those conditions weren’t met, the letter added, the city will be authorised to “take any action necessary” to resolve the issues on the property.
The situation has been complicated by Gulf World’s parent company, Mexico-based The Dolphin Company, declaring bankruptcy. According to reports, the former CEO allegedly used armed guards to wrestle back control of the company’s HQ in Cancun, and the chaotic situation has made it difficult for local authorities to get involved.
Tidebreakers added: “The dolphins haven’t had working filtration since November 2024. They are clearly suffering. Despite reports of some of the turtles being moved during the last raid, this endangered green sea turtle remains trapped in the filthy green water, in a crumbling rusty tank swimming in the same repetitive pattern we reported on months ago. When will the rest of the animals get rescued? Enough is enough.”
The Mirror has contacted The Dolphin Company for comment.