Marine park company reeling after five dolphins die within 8 months

A bankrupt global operator of marine parks and aquariums is seeking court approval to sell hundreds of its animals after a string of dolphin deaths at one of its Florida locations forced a facility closure and sparked multiple investigations.

The Dolphin Company, which operates more than 30 parks in eight countries, cited “limited liquidity” and “exceedingly high” animal care costs for its dolphins, sea lions, manatees and other marine mammals, according to a filing submitted Wednesday to the US Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

The company also wants to sell some of its real estate as part of a broader restructuring effort under Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings initiated in March.

The deaths occurred at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Fla., where five bottlenose dolphins died between October of last year and May.

The fifth fatality prompted the park’s closure and intensified scrutiny of the company’s animal care practices.

The deceased dolphins included Jett, who died in March from blunt force trauma to the head after crashing into the shallow end of a pool during a public show.

Staff response was reportedly delayed due to murky, algae-filled water.

Samira, an eight-year-old dolphin, was found dead last month after weeks of distress and refusing food. Preliminary findings indicated she had ingested foreign material and suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage.

Three other dolphins — Gus, Turk and Nate — died last October, with reported causes including euthanasia for a life-threatening condition, bacterial lung disease and systemic infection.

Following the fatalities, inspections by the USDA and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found troubling conditions at the park, including tanks with up to six inches of algae, broken water filtration systems, poor water quality, chronic understaffing and delayed emergency responses due to poor visibility in the water.

Florida state prosecutors and federal agencies have since launched criminal investigations.

Jay Trumbull, a state senator, called the situation “disturbing and unacceptable” and urged the removal of all remaining dolphins.

In its filing, The Dolphin Company stated that “not only will the sale and transfer of these animals bring value to the debtors’ estates, it will also aid in the animals’ welfare and safety.”

The company disclosed in bankruptcy documents that it housed approximately 2,400 animals as of 2023.

These included 295 dolphins, 51 sea lions, 18 manatees and 18 seals.

Court records show that many of these animals serve not only as live attractions but also as collateral for over $100 million in outstanding debt.

The commercial value of bottlenose dolphins varies depending on training, age and appearance. Dolphins captured in Taiji, Japan, during the 2025 season have reportedly sold for between $30,000 and $128,000 each.

Trained dolphins prepared for public performances can command prices up to $150,000.

California sea lions, also part of the company’s holdings, typically sell for between $20,000 and $40,000, while manatees, a species that is protected under US and international law, are not commercially sold but can incur care costs exceeding $40,000 for several months and more than $100,000 for extended rehabilitation.

After Gulf World’s closure, 11 surviving dolphins were cleared for relocation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Four rough-toothed dolphins — Doris, Kitana, Dagny and Wren — were transferred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

The remaining seven dolphins were moved to Marineland in St. Augustine, Fla.

The Dolphin Company’s financial collapse has also revealed internal turmoil. Former CEO Eduardo Albor, who oversaw the company’s growth over several decades, lost control of the business after it defaulted on approximately $100 million in debt.

According to court filings, Albor refused to relinquish control of the company’s parks in Mexico, where it is headquartered, and denied new management access to financial systems and accounts.

US Bankruptcy Judge Laurie Silverstein recently ordered Albor to stop interfering with company operations and provide access to all records.

She also imposed a $10,000-per-day fine for noncompliance. Advisers overseeing the restructuring have accused Albor of diverting revenue from Mexican parks using credit card readers purchased from Costco.

The Post has sought comment from The Dolphin Company and Albor.