Behind the legal and financial turmoil are seventeen living beings: dolphins who depend on this place for survival.

Marineland was founded as a bridge between us and the ocean. But unfortunately that legacy has eroded over time. Reports and drone footage in the past had shown dolphins confined in small, algae-filled tanks with little shade and limited stimulation. A federal judge even questioned their welfare during recent bankruptcy proceedings.

The welfare of the dolphins, not nostalgia or property value, must define Marineland’s future. Captive dolphins form deep social bonds, communicate in unique dialects, and experience stress and depression when their environment deteriorates. Selling, relocating, or using them for photo opportunities would only harm their well-being.

Marineland once provided connection to wondrous animals and the environment of our oceans. Hopefully it can do so again, but preservation without welfare is exploitation.

To truly save Marineland, we must save the dolphins first;

• Independent welfare audits to assess living conditions and publish transparent results
• Immediate water-quality and enrichment improvements to meet marine-mammal care standards
• External scientific oversight from marine biologists and welfare organizations
• Transition to a coastal sanctuary model, where possible, allowing more space, natural water, and retirement from public performance
• Public accountability for any ownership transfer that ensures animal welfare takes precedence over development profits

How You Can Help

Support groups such as TideBreakers and the Save Marineland’s History and Animals GoFundMe campaign are pressing for legal and ethical reform. You can help by donating, sharing verified information, and demanding oversight from Florida’s wildlife agencies and The Dolphin Company’s trustees.

These spots, known as rosettes, mimic the dappled light filtering through the forest canopy, making cubs almost invisible to both prey and potential predators. Jaguar cubs are vulnerable when they are young. They rely on their mother for protection and sustenance, but she must leave them hidden while she hunts for food. During these times, the cubs’ safety depends heavily on their ability to remain unseen. Their rosetted coats allow them to merge seamlessly with their surroundings, reducing the risk of being detected by larger predators or rival jaguars

As the cubs grow, their natural curiosity compels them to explore their environment. This exploration is essential for learning the skills they’ll need to survive as adults, but it also exposes them to potential dangers. The combination of camouflage and stealth is key to helping them navigate this critical stage of life safely. They learn to move silently, practice stalking prey through play, and stay close to cover where their coats can work their magic.

The importance of their camouflage doesn’t fade as they mature. Adult jaguars rely on this trait for hunting success, using it to ambush prey with near-perfect surprise. For the cubs, mastering the art of staying hidden is one of the first lessons nature teaches them.

Checkout the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) or Panthera to help protect these amazing cats.