Jett the Dolphin (2010-2025)

Jett, a 14-year-old bottlenose dolphin, died at Gulf World Marine Park in Florida from acute head trauma in March 2025. Jett is the fourth dolphin to die at the marine amusement park in less than a year. Gulf World has refused to comment on his death. Gulf World is owned by The Dolphin Company, which owns numerous captive marine mammal parks across the world, including the notorious Miami Seaquarium.

Jett was fatally injured while being forced to perform in a show. He jumped into the air and crashed into a shallow part of the pool. Due to the green water, attendees had difficulty seeing but heard trainers commenting that Jett hit his head. Gulf World has numerous Animal Welfare Act violations related to the dolphins, including for poor water quality.

At marine amusement parks, the bottom line is more important than the wellbeing of the animals. The Dolphin Company has a long track record of poor animal care. Miami Seaquarium racked up so many violations that Miami-Dade County terminated its lease in 2024. Tokitae, an orca who was held captive at MSQ for nearly 50 years, was badly injured during performances before her death. MSQ’s trainer ignored a veterinarian’s instructions not to make Tokitae perform certain tricks, such as fast swims and “head in entry” jumps. Tokitae’s mandible was injured during these fast swims.

More dolphins will die until marine amusement parks are shut down. Policymakers and travel companies should prohibit captive marine animal entertainment. In the meantime, World Animal Protection urges everyone who loves dolphins to avoid marine amusement parks and enjoy them in the wild.