In a significant move, US law enforcement initiated an investigation into the Gulf World Marine Park situated in Panama City Beach, Florida, following troubling reports of animal welfare violations. Local media outlets have revealed that a total of four dolphins have tragically died at the facility within the past year.
Recent drone footage captured by animal rights activists shows dolphins swimming in turgid green tanks, raising serious concerns about the animals' living conditions. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has criticized the alleged treatment of animals and emphasized that the state will not condone any form of animal abuse.
The investigation was triggered after The Dolphin Company, the park's management, allegedly obstructed Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials from inspecting the welfare of the marine creatures. According to reports, three dolphins passed away in October, while a fourth dolphin died earlier this month due to an injury sustained during a performance.
The Gulf World Marine Park is home to various species, including bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. The animal rights group UrgentSeas has raised alarms over the park's conditions, insisting that the plight of the animals be urgently addressed. Phil Demers, director of UrgentSeas, expressed his deep concern that the dolphins might be compelled to remain in deteriorating conditions unless immediate action is taken.
The community awaits further details as the investigation continues, emphasizing the need for animal welfare accountability across such facilities.
Recent drone footage captured by animal rights activists shows dolphins swimming in turgid green tanks, raising serious concerns about the animals' living conditions. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has criticized the alleged treatment of animals and emphasized that the state will not condone any form of animal abuse.
The investigation was triggered after The Dolphin Company, the park's management, allegedly obstructed Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials from inspecting the welfare of the marine creatures. According to reports, three dolphins passed away in October, while a fourth dolphin died earlier this month due to an injury sustained during a performance.
The Gulf World Marine Park is home to various species, including bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. The animal rights group UrgentSeas has raised alarms over the park's conditions, insisting that the plight of the animals be urgently addressed. Phil Demers, director of UrgentSeas, expressed his deep concern that the dolphins might be compelled to remain in deteriorating conditions unless immediate action is taken.
The community awaits further details as the investigation continues, emphasizing the need for animal welfare accountability across such facilities.
