Recent reports have revealed alarming dolphin deaths at the Gulf World Marine Park, which is owned by The Dolphin Company.

At least 3 dolphins have died at the park in one week. These deaths are believed by veterinarians to have been related to construction happening near the pools where the animals were housed. 

After that Jett, a 14-year-old bottlenose dolphin, died from acute head trauma during the first weekend of March, as reported by the Panama City News Herald.

Other findings from inspection reports revealed that multiple pools — including the main sea lion stadium pool — were in a state of disrepair with dripping rust, chipping paint, algae buildup and broken concrete.

The park has reportedly denied access to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and local health department authorities attempting to conduct inspections in the recent past.

The investigation into the Gulf World Marine Park has been launched. The Dolphin Company has filed for bankruptcy this week.

But it's clear that it's not enough. 

The problem is that The Dolphin Company runs 31 parks and marine habitats in eight countries, with four marine parks located in Florida. Besides Gulf World, Dolphin Connection in Duck Key, Marineland in St Augustine and the Miami Seaquarium are all under the company's ownership and management. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has already cited the facility for animal welfare violations, yet no broader investigation has been launched into the company’s other  parks across the U.S.

We call on federal and state animal welfare authorities to investigate all US parks operated by The Dolphin Company to ensure no more animals are suffering behind closed doors. 

If abuse or neglect is found - justice for animal cruelty has to be served.