US law enforcement and wildlife officials have raided Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, in light of serious allegations regarding animal welfare. Reports indicate that four dolphins have died at the park over the past year, with three of those deaths occurring in October alone. Activists from UrgentSeas have raised concerns after releasing drone footage showing dolphins swimming in murky green water tanks, suggesting declining conditions.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has stated that he will "not tolerate any animal abuse," prompting a search warrant executed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This action follows allegations that The Dolphin Company, which operates the park, obstructed FWC rangers from inspecting the animals.
Local media reports indicate that one dolphin died after hitting its head while performing tricks for visitors. The park houses a variety of marine life, including bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. Phil Demers, director of UrgentSeas, expressed grave concerns about the wellbeing of the animals and vowed to continue documenting conditions until rescue efforts are initiated.
