Key Points Summary — Dolphins Trapped

• Dolphins trapped at Gulf World still perform for tourists despite health concerns
• Guests pay $130 for interactions while dolphins swim in murky, algae-filled tanks
• Inspectors scraped nearly six inches of green algae off tank surfaces
• Four dolphins died within six months, including one during a show
• Dolphins swim with eyes jammed shut; campaigners fear blindness from chemicals
• Federal and state agencies raided the park twice in 2025 over welfare violations
• Parent company declared bankruptcy, stalling action on unsafe conditions

Dolphins Trapped in Murky Tanks Amid Shocking Deaths and Raids

Florida’s sunshine hides a dark secret. Beneath the surface of a family-favorite theme park, dolphins swim blindly through filth.

At Gulf World in Panama City Beach, bottlenose dolphins are performing tricks for paying customers while algae chokes their enclosures. Visitors still line up to hug and swim with them for $130 a session. The animals don’t get to say no.

Inspectors found nearly six inches of green slime coating the pools. Photos show dolphins gliding through murky, chemical-tainted water.

Deadly Dolphin Show Ends in Tragedy

It’s not just gross — it’s dangerous.

Four dolphins have died in recent months. One, named Jett, dove headfirst into the shallows during a lunchtime show and died from a brain injury.

Children watched in horror as staff rushed to cover the scene. Experts say Jett might have misjudged his jump due to the cloudy water.

Park Under Investigation as Tanks Crumble

The park’s problems go deeper than green water.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that filtration systems stopped working last fall. One tank’s filter failed entirely. Another runs at half strength.

That means dolphins have been swimming in their own waste for over six months.

Blindness Feared From Harsh Chemicals

To fight the algae, staff added granular chlorine — a harsh chemical known to cause eye damage.

Campaigners now fear the dolphins are going blind. Recent footage shows them swimming with eyes jammed shut. The water remains green.

Meanwhile, the dolphins are still forced into daily interactions with tourists.

More Dolphins Die in Mysterious Circumstances

The death toll is climbing.

Last October, three dolphins died within a single week. Gus was euthanized, Turk succumbed to a lung infection, and Nate suffered a full-body infection. All were under 20 years old — far short of their natural 40-year lifespan.

And still, the shows go on.

Park Raided, Yet Still Open

Florida authorities raided Gulf World twice in 2025. The most recent was on May 14.

Officials served warrants and demanded access. Inspectors found unsafe structures, cracked concrete, rusting tanks, and exposed wiring. Shade for the animals was nonexistent.

A separate city inspection uncovered failing stingray pools and dangerous pump systems.

Bankruptcy Blocks Rescue Efforts

Even as inspectors cry foul, Gulf World’s parent company has collapsed.

The Dolphin Company, based in Mexico, filed for bankruptcy. Its internal chaos has made it harder for authorities to enforce any changes.

One exec even reportedly used armed guards to seize corporate headquarters.

Park Accused of Animal Neglect

Despite the backlash, the park remains open.

Tidebreakers, a campaign group, released damning footage. A green sea turtle swims in circles inside a crumbling tank, while algae clings to every wall.

“The animals haven’t had proper filtration since November,” the group said. “They are suffering. When will the rescues begin?”

As paying guests continue to swim with the dolphins, the cries from the tanks grow louder.

And the question remains: how many more animals will suffer before the gates finally close?