A newly released USDA report has revealed that three bottlenose dolphins—Striker, Cajun, and Luna—sustained injuries during a 13-hour transport from Gulf World Marine Park to *Dolphin Connection in Duck Key, Florida. The dolphins suffered moderate to deep abrasions, cuts, and lesions caused by the body support devices used during the move. These injuries were not present before transport. This incident follows the permanent closure of Gulf World earlier this year amid a string of animal welfare concerns, including the deaths of five dolphins.
The park, now up for sale, is part of the Dolphin Company’s ongoing bankruptcy case. Four other bottlenose dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park were moved to *Marineland Dolphin Adventure in Florida, while four rough-toothed dolphins were relocated to Clearwater Marine Aquarium – the only U.S. facility equipped to care for this rare species.
*facilities owned by the Dolphin Company
