Law enforcement officials in the US along with wildlife officers have raided a marine park in Florida due to claims of “animal abuse” at the location.

Within the past year, four dolphins have lost their lives at the Gulf World Marine Park, which is situated in Panama City Beach, according to reports by local media.

Activists for animal rights have shared footage taken by drones, depicting dolphins swimming in tanks filled with murky green water.

Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, stated that any instance of animal abuse will not be tolerated. The BBC has attempted to obtain comments from the park’s owners, The Dolphin Company.

At Uthmeier’s request, Florida’s Department of Law Enforcement, in addition to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), executed a search warrant. This action was disclosed by Uthmeier through a post on social media.

The warrant came in the wake of The Dolphin Company allegedly hindering FWC rangers from conducting checks on the animals, as per local media.

Reports indicate that three dolphins died at the park in October, while a fourth passed away earlier this month after hitting its head in the shallow end of a pool while performing tricks for an audience.

Gulf World Marien Park reportedly houses various species, including bottlenose dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, sea lions, penguins, harbour seals, birds, and reptiles, according to the park’s website.

UrgentSeas, an animal welfare organization, has voiced its concerns regarding the park. According to Phil Demers, the director of UrgentSeas, they have been documenting and releasing videos showcasing the park’s distressing conditions, and they will continue this until the animals are urgently rescued. Demers expressed his concern that the animals will be forced to remain in these deteriorating conditions.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1kjkdlk0ero