New drone footage reveals the shocking living conditions of dolphins at a marine park where four dolphins have reportedly died in the last six months.

The video, released by the animal welfare non-profit UrgentSeas, shows a small concrete tank currently housing 12 dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park, a dolphinarium in Panama City Beach, Florida.

UrgentSeas is calling for the dolphins to be relocated to more suitable environments after the park lost four dolphins in the past six months.

Bottlenose dolphins Gus, 14, Turk, 15, and Nate, 20, died in quick succession in October 2024, followed by the death of a fourth dolphin, Jett, 14, earlier this month.

According to the Marine Mammal Inventory Report (MMIR), which tracks marine mammals held in captivity in the U.S., Gus was euthanized for a life-threatening condition, Turk died from a bacterial lung disease and Nate died from a systemic infection.

According to local media, Jett's death was the result of an acute head trauma after eyewitnesses reported seeing the dolphin crash into a shallow area of the pool while performing a trick.

Philip Demers, co-founder of UrgentSeas, said: "Gulf World is yet another example of a facility that prioritizes profits over the well-being of its animals. "

"The conditions at Gulf World are among the worst we've ever observed. "

"The sheer number of dead dolphins over such a short period of time is shocking and inexcusable, yet Gulf World continues to operate without repercussions. "

"There's no excuse for the awful and deteriorating conditions these dolphins are living in. "

"Unless these dolphins—and other animals—are removed as soon as possible, we can expect more deaths."

According to NOAA, the average lifespan of a bottlenose dolphin is around 40 years, making the deaths of these young dolphins particularly concerning.

An inspection completed in July 2024 by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, revealed disturbing issues at the facility.

The report noted cracked and broken concrete on the stage where dolphins are asked to slide out which can cause skin abrasions.

It also highlighted the lack of shade over multiple pools and over the main show stage, where dolphins are stationed during food training and public interactions.

According to APHIS, excessive sunlight exposure has been linked to the development of eye abnormalities in captive marine mammals.

The report also mentioned Gus, Turk, and Nate, which were on daily eye medications at the time potentially due to the lack of shade and direct exposure to sunlight.

A follow-up inspection conducted by APHIS earlier this year found continued issues.

The report highlighted issues with the dolphin stadium pool's perimeter, where paint is flaking and concrete is cracking, posing potential water quality and safety risks.

At the time of inspection, the dolphin east pool, which went down in November 2024, had no working filter and filtration in the dolphin west pool was only 50% operational.

The report also noted algae growth in several pools, which has reduced visibility of the dolphins.

The report also called for water quality to be maintained by "filtration, chemical means or other means to comply with water quality standards."

Gulf World Marine Park was contacted for comment.