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Credit: Gulf Marine World ParkIt’s the end of an era for one Florida theme park as its owners confirm that it has officially closed down for good.
The Sunshine State’s theme parks have faced several controversies over the years, from Disney’s clash with Governor Ron DeSantis over the “Don’t Say Gay” law – a war that spanned several years, lawsuits, and the restructuring of Disney’s Reedy Creek district – to more specific dramas within the theme park community, such as the backlash over Disney’s decision to replace Splash Mountain with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Even casual parkgoers have found themselves caught up in theme park controversies. SeaWorld’s Blackfish fallout, for example, sparked a cultural reckoning, turning many into vocal critics of using captive orcas, dolphins, and other marine mammals for entertainment.
The documentary not only damaged SeaWorld’s reputation (and attendance numbers), but also galvanized an entire generation of animal welfare advocates.
But SeaWorld isn’t the only Florida theme park to receive backlash over its animal residents.
The Dolphin Company Faces Final Reckoning
In recent years, Miami Seaquarium and Gulf World Marine Park – both owned by The Dolphin Company – have taken heavy heat over the treatment and living conditions of their animals.
At Miami Seaquarium, for example, Miami-Dade County has attempted an eviction after years of negative USDA inspection reports (with findings including a dolphin with a nail in its throat and damaged enclosures) and a backlog of unpaid rent.
Meanwhile, Gulf World Marine Park has made headlines for all the wrong reasons after a string of dolphin deaths.
Five dolphins died at the Panama City Beach theme park over the course of eight months, leading to Florida Sen. Jay Trumbull calling for the immediate removal of all remaining dolphins from Gulf World Marine Park and a raid on the park.
Since then, The Dolphin Company has filed for bankruptcy. What’s followed is a string of internal dramas, including the former CEO seizing control of its Mexican headquarters while accompanied by about 20 armed men.
Gulf World Marine Park Is Now Permanently Closed
Following reports that The Dolphin Company was preparing to sell its animal assets – which currently spans 295 dolphins, 51 sea lions, 18 manatees, and 18 seals across its 30 properties – it’s now been confirmed that Gulf World Marine Park has officially closed for good.
The park has been off-limits to guests since May, following the passing of a bottlenose dolphin named Samira. Its animals have since been evacuated to other facilities, some of which are also owned by The Dolphin Company.
Listed on July 15 through commercial real estate platform LoopNet, the seven-acre property at 15412 Front Beach Road is part of a wider bankruptcy sale. Although no asking price is listed, the land is assessed at $2.3 million.
According to the listing, the site is being sold as a “distress sale,” signaling an urgent move to offload the property below market value due to financial pressure.
Gulf World’s parent company, The Dolphin Company, filed for bankruptcy on March 31 and attributed the park’s decline to mismanagement under previous leadership in Mexico. In court documents, the site was classified as real estate rather than an active business, with the stated intent of finding an “alternate use.”
The listing confirms the park won’t continue as a marine facility. Matthew Bordwin of Keen-Summit Capital Partners, which is handling the sale, said the land is zoned for tourist development and expects strong interest due to its location. Drive-through and outdoor operations may be permitted, and an auction is anticipated soon. They expect a quick sale.
Gulf World Marine Park’s website has now been deactivated, with a message redirecting visitors to “additional bankruptcy information, including court filings and claims details.”
Miami Seaquarium and Marineland are also listed for sale. Both parks remain in operation to guests at the time of writing, with Miami Seaquarium said to be worth $45.6 million.
Are you glad Gulf World Marine Park is closed?