Latest news with #Marineland
USA Today
25-06-2025
- General
- USA Today
Gulf World Marine Park in crisis: Dolphins relocated amid scandal and bankruptcy fallout
All of the dolphins have now been relocated from Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida to other facilities. So what's happening now? Five dolphin deaths in less than a year, scathing inspection reports, public outcry, and footage released of green water with algae in the dolphin tanks led political leaders and government officials to work swiftly in getting the dolphins out of the park. A chaotic bankruptcy on behalf of the park's owners at The Dolphin Company, operated in Cancun, Mexico, led to delays with the relocation. Animal advocates and government officials partly won, with four of the dolphins being moved to a facility not owned by The Dolphin Company, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida. The remaining seven were moved to facilities owned by the company, with four going to Marineland Dolphin Adventure near St. Augustine and three going to Dolphin Connection in Duck Key. Marineland had three non-critical compliance issues relating to its facility in its April 2025 report, but another report from May doesn't show any noncompliant items. U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn previously told WJHG that his office was not happy when it learned that Marineland was owned by the same company, so they tried to pump the brakes, leading to further delays. Animal advocates were also unhappy with the move. Activist group TideBreakers released footage of Marineland, claiming that the facilities are inadequate and the conditions are poor. "When the 13 dolphins at Marineland aren't working, they're kept in filthy, cramped, concrete tanks with no protection from the Florida sun," the activists wrote in a Facebook post. "Swimming in circles all day, waiting for their turn to entertain tourists, just a few feet away from the ocean. Some in complete isolation." Theme park earnings: New report finds Disneyland, Disney World contribute $67B to US economy There's a petition floating around asking Congress to confiscate the company's dolphins. Organizers also are demanding oversight from regulatory agencies. The Dolphin Company is under a criminal investigation in the state of Florida amid its drawn-out bankruptcy proceedings in Delaware that reportedly included an armed takeover of its Cancun headquarters. New management acknowledged in a press release that Gulf World had been neglected over the years. It was revealed in a bankruptcy proceeding recording that the fifth dolphin to die, Samira, was showing signs of distress nearly a month prior to her death. Communication hurdles that could be tied to the bankruptcy were said to have led to her not getting care that could've been provided by Riveron, the restructuring company working on the bankruptcy case. The Key Biscayne Independent reported that the former CEO of The Dolphin Company, Eduardo Albor, was found to be in contempt of court on June 5. The judge said that Albor was interfering with the new management of the company. 'We lost a dolphin, and I don't want my delay to create that situation again,' the judge said at a June 2 hearing, according to the Independent. 'Samira, to the extent we could have saved her because of communication, it's on all of us." The reporting notes that the new management asked to hire a firm to split up the subsidiary companies running the parks and start the auction process. Debtors had apparently done an initial review and put the various parks and properties into "going concern" and "real estate" categories. Gulf World was no longer categorized as a "going concern," and they would find an alternative use for the property, according to the Independent. First Coast News reported that State Attorney Larry Basford had told them the dolphins are better off in Marineland, which is under new management because of the bankruptcy proceedings. Basford told them that part of the bankruptcy process is disposing of assets, and the dolphins were assets. Basford told the news station that The Dolphin Company didn't have money to maintain Gulf World or conduct needed repairs. A June 16 release from the company says that the relocated dolphins are eating, attentive, and acclimating well to their new homes. The park remains closed until further notice. As for what happens now, Rep. Dunn had previously said once the dolphins were taken care of, they would move on to help the other animals in the facility.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Still-shuttered Marineland puts its amusement park rides up for sale
Marineland, the still-shuttered Niagara Falls aquarium and theme park where 18 beluga whales have died since 2019, has put its rides up for sale. News of the rides being on the market was published Tuesday in Amusement Today, an industry publication. It comes as animal advocates continue to express concerns about living conditions for the numerous water and land mammals still at Marineland, which has not indicated plans to open this summer. "For decades, Marineland has been home to a collection of beloved rides that have brought joy to millions of guests," stated a news release posted on Amusement Today. "As the park evolves, it is now offering buyers the opportunity to own a piece of amusement park history. The sale includes a range of classic attractions, from thrill rides to family-friendly [favourites]." It states the rides will be sold to amusement operators, entertainment companies and "qualified buyers." CBC Hamilton reached out to Marineland but did not hear back before publication. Bill Ossim, of the company Rides Plus, LLC, confirmed to Radio-Canada he had been contracted by Marineland to sell its rides. Phil Demers, a former Marineland walrus trainer who has been campaigning against the facility since 2012, says it's looking less and less like the park will ever open again. CBC has previously reported that according to a local employment office, Marineland was not hiring any seasonal employees this year. The park also has a registered lobbyist to help the company obtain permits to export animals from the federal government. It also recently sold an office building. The company has not publicly confirmed whether it plans to close permanently. It told CBC earlier this month "no final decision has been made" on whether it will open this season. On Friday, its phone number listed on its website remained out of service. Demers said he wouldn't be surprised if the company tried to quietly fade away. "There might not even be an announcement," said Demers, who was sued by his former employer in 2013. The company alleged Demers trespassed and plotted to steal the 800-pound walrus he used to train, Smooshi. Demers filed a counterclaim, also in 2013, for defamation and abuse of process, he told CBC Hamilton. "It does seem a bit surreal," he said on Thursday. "Every once in a while you have to remind yourself there's still animals there." He said the remaining aquatic animals that live there include 31 beluga whales, four dolphins, two sea lions and three seals – including one named Larry. There are also numerous red deer, fallow deer, elk and bears, he said, noting he plans to keep monitoring and speaking out on behalf of the facility's animals "until that place is dust ... I'm married to that place in a weird sense." Advocacy group Animal Justice filed a complaint with Ontario's Animal Welfare Services (AWS) on June 11. It said in a news release about the complaint that it has seen drone footage, posted on Instagram, that shows about four dolphins "circling a cramped tank" next to where a stage is being demolished. "Marine mammal welfare experts who reviewed the video say the noise, vibrations, and disruption from the demolition activity would likely cause the animals' psychological suffering, adding to the harm caused by years of confinement, lack of enrichment, and inconsistent care," Animal Justice's statement. In response to the complaint, as seen by CBC Hamilton, AWS told Animal Justice it has inspected Marineland more than 220 times since January 2020. The province declared in 2021 that all marine mammals at the park were in distress due to poor water, but told The Canadian Press last year the water issue had been brought up to standard. AWS has not shared details publicly about its enforcement and no charges appear to have been laid against Marineland related to its aquatic mammals. Last year, Marineland was found guilty under Ontario's animal cruelty laws over its care of three young black bears. AWS also said in its response that it is not involved in any rumoured plans to relocate Marineland's animals, but that it continues to monitor the site. "The ministry also has experts who provide us with advice on marine mammals, their living conditions and their health and welfare," it said. "Please be assured that the government continues to look at ways to make sure that the animals at Marineland continue to receive the care they need." CBC Hamilton reached out to AWS for comment but did not hear back before publication.
CBC
20-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Still-shuttered Marineland puts its amusement park rides up for sale
Marineland, the still-shuttered Niagara Falls aquarium and theme park where 18 beluga whales have died since 2019, has put its rides up for sale. News of the rides being on the market was published Tuesday in Amusement Today, an industry publication. It comes as animal advocates continue to express concerns about living conditions for the numerous water and land mammals still at Marineland, which has not indicated plans to open this summer. "For decades, Marineland has been home to a collection of beloved rides that have brought joy to millions of guests," stated a news release posted on Amusement Today. "As the park evolves, it is now offering buyers the opportunity to own a piece of amusement park history. The sale includes a range of classic attractions, from thrill rides to family-friendly [favourites]." It states the rides will be sold to amusement operators, entertainment companies and "qualified buyers." CBC Hamilton reached out to Marineland but did not hear back before publication. Bill Ossim, of the company Rides Plus, LLC, confirmed to Radio-Canada he had been contracted by Marineland to sell its rides. 'Still animals there' Phil Demers, a former Marineland walrus trainer who has been campaigning against the facility since 2012, says it's looking less and less like the park will ever open again. CBC has previously reported that according to a local employment office, Marineland was not hiring any seasonal employees this year. The park also has a registered lobbyist to help the company obtain permits to export animals from the federal government. It also recently sold an office building. The company has not publicly confirmed whether it plans to close permanently. It told CBC earlier this month "no final decision has been made" on whether it will open this season. On Friday, its phone number listed on its website remained out of service. Demers said he wouldn't be surprised if the company tried to quietly fade away. "There might not even be an announcement," said Demers, who was sued by his former employer in 2013. The company alleged Demers trespassed and plotted to steal the 800-pound walrus he used to train, Smooshi. Demers filed a counterclaim, also in 2013, for defamation and abuse of process, he told CBC Hamilton. "It does seem a bit surreal," he said on Thursday. "Every once in a while you have to remind yourself there's still animals there." He said the remaining aquatic animals that live there include 31 beluga whales, four dolphins, two sea lions and three seals – including one named Larry. There are also numerous red deer, fallow deer, elk and bears, he said, noting he plans to keep monitoring and speaking out on behalf of the facility's animals "until that place is dust ... I'm married to that place in a weird sense." New complaint filed against park Advocacy group Animal Justice filed a complaint with Ontario's Animal Welfare Services (AWS) on June 11. It said in a news release about the complaint that it has seen drone footage, posted on Instagram, that shows about four dolphins "circling a cramped tank" next to where a stage is being demolished. "Marine mammal welfare experts who reviewed the video say the noise, vibrations, and disruption from the demolition activity would likely cause the animals' psychological suffering, adding to the harm caused by years of confinement, lack of enrichment, and inconsistent care," Animal Justice's statement. In response to the complaint, as seen by CBC Hamilton, AWS told Animal Justice it has inspected Marineland more than 220 times since January 2020. The province declared in 2021 that all marine mammals at the park were in distress due to poor water, but told The Canadian Press last year the water issue had been brought up to standard. AWS has not shared details publicly about its enforcement and no charges appear to have been laid against Marineland related to its aquatic mammals. Last year, Marineland was found guilty under Ontario's animal cruelty laws over its care of three young black bears. AWS also said in its response that it is not involved in any rumoured plans to relocate Marineland's animals, but that it continues to monitor the site. "The ministry also has experts who provide us with advice on marine mammals, their living conditions and their health and welfare," it said. "Please be assured that the government continues to look at ways to make sure that the animals at Marineland continue to receive the care they need."
Global News
19-06-2025
- Business
- Global News
Marineland looking to sell amusement rides as Ontario park ‘evolves'
Marineland, one of Canada's most popular aquatic amusement parks, is looking to sell its rides. A news release published Tuesday in a U.S. trade publication indicates Rides Plus, LLC and another party are assisting Marineland with the sale of its rides, making them available for purchase by amusement operators, entertainment companies and other qualified buyers. 'For decades, Marineland has been home to a collection of beloved rides that have brought joy to millions of guests,' the release reads. 'As the park evolves, it is now offering buyers the opportunity to own a piece of amusement park history. The sale includes a range of classic attractions, from thrill rides to family-friendly favorites.' 2:10 Marineland fined in 'landmark' ruling regarding 3 black bears Marineland, which opened in 1961 in Niagara Falls, Ont., has been beleaguered as of late and has yet to announce if it will open this year. Story continues below advertisement Traditionally, the park would be open from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving. Last year, Marineland announced it would open for July and August. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Earlier this year, Niagara Falls approved an application by Marineland to sever its property so it can raise money to move its animals and operate the park. A lawyer for Marineland told The Canadian Press in February that the park had not yet been sold, and money was needed for operations and to help fund a move of its remaining marine mammals, which include 31 beluga whales. Marineland was founded by John Holer, who came to Canada from Slovenia. He and his wife, Marie, operated the park for decades. Marie took over the tourist attraction in 2018 after John's death. In 2023, Marineland said it was looking for a new owner to help transition the park to a new era. The park said last year that the transition to new ownership was ongoing, but did not provide details. Property records last summer showed no change in hands, The Canadian Press reported. 2:20 Scaled down marineland opens without rides, animals Marie's death was announced last September, and the future of the park has remained in doubt since. Story continues below advertisement Over the years, millions flocked to the park to see killer whales put on big shows with bigger splashes. There were also dolphins, seals, sea lions and, eventually, beluga whales, along with a wide variety of land animals. The park attracted a lot of criticism from protesters over the years, with many concerned about the well-being of the marine mammals kept in captivity. Seventeen whales have died at Marineland since 2019, including its last killer whale and the last captive orca in Canada, Kiska, which died in 2023. Ontario's animal cruelty investigators have been investigating the park since 2020. Marineland has long defended its treatment of its animals and says the deaths are part of the natural cycle of life. — with files from The Canadian Press
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Orcas left to rot in algae-infested abandoned zoo 'doomed to die' in sad update
France's last remaining orcas, Wikie and Keijo, spend their endless days swimming around a cramped concrete tank after Marineland Antibes closed permanently in January. Now campaigners warn they are doomed to die without urgent action The two last remaining orcas living in captivity in France could be doomed to die because of government inaction on their abandoned marine park, campaigners have warned. Wikie and her son Keijo are the last killer whales living in France and have been forced to swim around their barren, rotting tank after Marineland Antibes closed down permanently in January this year. Since then, the tragic orcas fill their endless days without stimulation, pining for the bonds they made with their now-dead family members. They are the last two surviving members of their original pod of four. Now the park has closed to the public, their environs are crumbling, with the water in their concrete tank getting dirtier by the day and stinking green algae creeping across the site. While a skeleton staff come in to feed them and provide them with minimum human interaction, Wikie and Keijo have been all but forgotten by the people they used to entertain. READ MORE: UK's secret dolphin pool of horrors - breakdowns, blindness and force-feeding animals who longed to die In a much smaller tank nearby, 12 bottlenose dolphins are the only other inhabitants of the rotting park - and time is running out for them, too. Cetacean campaign group TideBreakers have been lobbying the French government to take urgent action and get the animals out of the park before it's too late. But a row between French officials and the marine park's management - who still bear a legal duty for the welfare of the cetaceans - could drag on until all of the animals have succombed to their tragic fate. Legislation that came in in 2021 banned entertainment shows featuring whales, dolphins and porpoises, and set a hard deadline of December 2026 for Marineland to move their animals to safety. But government ministers have since blocked two proposals to rehome the orcas: one to a marine zoo in Japan, and another to a whale sanctuary in Canada - which is not yet built. The Japanese offer was rejected on the grounds of animal welfare concerns, while the Canadian Whale Sanctuary Project's offer was binned in favour of a potential European sanctuary, because of the strenuous travel involved to get the orcas to North America. A third option, to move the dolphins and two orcas to Loro Parque in Tenerife, was dismissed by an expert panel, who said the proposed tank "would not meet the minimum requirements in terms of surface area, volume and depth necessary to house the specimens in optimal conditions". Loro Parque already boasts four captive orcas of its own, including a calf born in March 2025. The French Ministry of Ecology said the government are still hunting for alternatives - while campaigners say there is no time to be dragging their feet. Theme park left abandoned and 'frozen in time' where Orca whales still alive left to rot "To date, with the exception of orcas and dolphins, all the animals have found a new habitat suited to their needs," said a government spokesperson. "With regard to the orcas and dolphins, an assessment by the Spanish Scientific Authority led the latter to oppose the transfer of the orcas and dolphins to Loro Parque (Tenerife) and the transfer of ten dolphins to the Madrid aquarium: the Authority concluded that the facilities did not meet the requirements in terms of surface area, volume and depth to house the specimens in optimum conditions. "This unfavourable opinion means that authorisation cannot be granted to transfer these animals to Spain." They added: "Pending their transfer, the Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forestry, Sea and Fisheries is asking Parques Reunidos, Marineland's owner, to ensure that the animals continue to be cared for pending a future solution. "At the same time, discussions have been held with the Italian, Greek and Spanish ministers to find a satisfactory solution that will ensure the animals' welfare. "Although no solution has yet been found, discussions with the Italian minister have shown that the Taranto sanctuary project has the support of the authorities and could be ready within a year." But TideBreakers say Wikie and Keijo might not have a year left if they stay in their unsafe and unsanitary tanks. Wikie turned 24 on June 2, marking nearly a quarter of a century living in captivity. She has already witnessed the death of her son Moana, who died in October 2023, and her brother Inouk who died last March after ingesting a piece of metal that had fallen loose into his tank. "Wikie has spent her entire life in the concrete tanks at Marineland Antibes," said TideBreakers. "Our wish for Wikie is to see her thrive in a clean, safe environment as soon as possible, where she can live a long life alongside her son, Keijo."
