Search warrant executed at Gulf World Marine Park

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, along with state, local, and federal partner agencies are on scene at Gulf World Marine Park conducting an investigation. (RELATED: Local, state, and federal agencies are investigating safety concerns at Gulf World)

This includes the USDA, FDLE, and Panama City Beach Police Department.

FWC said this is due to the growing concern about animal welfare.

According to Attorney General James Uthmeier, a search warrant was executed at Gulf World Marine Park at his direction.

“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission takes the health and welfare of all wildlife, including Florida’s marine mammals, very seriously. Due to growing concerns about the sanitation and condition of aquatic enclosures, as well as the well-being of captive bottlenose dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park, FWC has joined (local and state) partner agencies to conduct a thorough investigation of the facility. The Commission will continue to engage with our partner agencies in this investigation and will provide all necessary resources to resolve this matter.

The safety and humane treatment of these animals are of the utmost importance, and we remain committed to ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect them. At this time, we have no further information to share, but we will provide updates as they become available,” said Christopher Boley with FWC.

Officials said Gulf World did let them inside the facility.

This is a developing story.

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