Former Gulf World Dolphins Flourish at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

New Chapter for Four Dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

After a significant shift in their lives, four rough-toothed dolphins have found a new home at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) in Florida. The dolphins—Doris, Kitana, Dagny, and Wren—are now thriving in their new environment, marking a fresh beginning for them following the closure of Gulf World Marine Park.

The move took place on June 4, when the four dolphins were transferred to CMA, offering them a second chance at life in captivity. Upon arrival, they were placed in a specialized medical pool where they underwent a thorough acclimation process. This involved collaboration between Gulf World trainers and CMA staff, ensuring a smooth transition for the animals.

CMA’s Animal Care Program Manager, Camelle Zodrow, shared her impressions of the dolphins’ adjustment. “They immediately started gravitating to the people that they knew. And we did have staff accompanying us on the transport from Gulf World, and they were in the water to help receive them as they got here. So seeing that just everybody took a collective sigh of relief,” she said.

CMA is the only facility in the country that currently cares for rough-toothed dolphins after Gulf World’s closure. The dolphins are part of a larger controversy surrounding the park, which faced scrutiny due to USDA inspection reports highlighting an aging facility with limited staffing. These conditions affected both animal care and overall living conditions.

The backlash began in March when a dolphin died during a public performance, marking the fourth death in less than a year. Shortly after, another dolphin died in their care, bringing the total to five. These incidents raised concerns about the welfare of the animals and led to increased pressure on the park's management.

At CMA, the dolphins are receiving constant care, with a dedicated team focused on their growth and well-being. Daily routines include five to six training sessions, along with enrichment activities designed to stimulate their minds and bodies. One unique aspect of their new environment is the inclusion of toys from their previous home, allowing them to engage with familiar items.

The transfer also brought a special moment for Doris and trainer Kelsey Fisher, who previously worked at Gulf World. Their strong bond inspired Fisher to get a tattoo of Doris’s fin. “When we found out we were bringing those dolphins here, it was almost like a full circle moment in Kelsey’s career. So we’re just happy to be a part of it,” Zodrow said.

The parent company of Gulf World, The Dolphin Company, is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, which has resulted in the Panama City Beach park being put up for sale. It remains uncertain whether the dolphins will be transferred again once the sale is complete, as they are listed as assets of the company.

Despite these uncertainties, CMA remains focused on the care and welfare of the animals. “Decisions made outside of our control are just that. What I control every day is how they are treated every day and what goes into their care. And to make sure that they have the resources, the team has the resources that we need to provide them the best care that we can,” Zodrow emphasized.

Looking ahead, the next step for the Gulf World dolphins is to integrate them with the rest of the CMA dolphin population. The team hopes this will happen within a few weeks, allowing the dolphins to interact and socialize with others in a more natural setting.

As the story continues to unfold, the focus remains on the well-being of these animals, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve in their new home.