In spring 2023 the seven dolphins held at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park will move into tanks three times larger than their existing structure, however as the facility is planning to hold up to 15 dolphins over the coming years, as more animals are added, this larger space will once again become smaller for each individual. So for the dolphins, this expansion will do little to change their daily lives, they will continue to perform for the public in shows or endure close-up interactions where the paying public are able to touch and feed the marine mammals.
Gulfarium opened to the public in 1955 and there are currently three females and four males at the facility – one female wild-caught in 1980, two males from SeaWorld, two from Gulf World, and two females born at Gulfarium. The facility also displays other marine life including turtles, penguins, and sea lions.
