Target: Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Tom Vilsack
Goal: Hold Gulf World Marine Park accountable for alleged neglect and mistreatment that led to the premature deaths of three dolphins, Gus, Turk, and Nate.
Three dolphins—Gus, Turk, and Nate—reportedly died within a month of each other at Gulf World Marine Park in Florida, raising serious concerns about the facility’s treatment of marine mammals. These sensitive and social creatures, who were born captive at United Parks & Resorts’ abusement parks, never experienced life in the wild and were subjected to the degrading conditions of confinement and forced performances. Having lived in these conditions, none of them reached the age of 20, while they could have potentially thrived for up to 40 years in natural habitats.
Recent inspections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture have raised alarming red flags about the facility, highlighting alleged issues such as rust in the sea lion stadium pool, chipping paint, and serious structural shortcomings contributing to a potential unsafe environment for the dolphins. Additionally, it has been reported that several dolphins, including Gus, Turk, and Nate, received treatment for eye conditions that might have been exacerbated by unprotected sun exposure due to the park’s negligence. The conditions at Gulf World Marine Park allegedly showed a blatant disregard for adequate care, potentially leading to injuries and ultimately contributing to the premature death of these dolphins.
The need for strict accountability is imperative to prevent further incidents of animal suffering at Gulf World and similar facilities. Dolphins and other marine mammals deserve to live in environments that reflect their natural lifestyle, free from the confines and stress of marine parks. Demand a thorough investigation into Gulf World Marine Park’s practices and insist on necessary changes to protect these animals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Vilsack,
This petition is aimed at urging you to take immediate action against Gulf World Marine Park for the alleged neglect and mistreatment of dolphins, which reportedly contributed to the untimely deaths of Gus, Turk, and Nate. These young dolphins, born into captivity, were never afforded the chance to experience the freedom that all marine mammals deserve. Instead, they were confined to inadequate conditions, where social animals were forced to perform tricks and exhibited signs of physical deterioration, including serious eye conditions due to a lack of proper care.
Alarming details from the recent U.S. Department of Agriculture inspections have highlighted numerous alleged health hazards at Gulf World, including structural deficiencies and environmental neglect that raise serious questions about the safety and well-being of all captive marine mammals at the facility. The reported rust in the tanks, chipped paint, and other issues not only exemplify a lack of proper oversight but may have directly contributed to the distress and health decline of these dolphins. Significant concern must be raised over whether the conditions at Gulf World reflect a culture of negligence that endangers the lives of the animals in its care.
We call for immediate action to hold Gulf World Marine Park accountable for its alleged transgressions against marine mammals. It is vital that the Department of Agriculture enforces stringent measures to prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future. We implore you to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Gus, Turk, and Nate and to impose necessary repercussions on those reportedly responsible for their suffering.
Sincerely,
Your Name Here
Photo credit: Safari Travel Plus
