One of Florida’s most controversial theme parks faces an uncertain future, with the CEO of its parent company now facing a daily $10,000 fine.
The last couple of years have been rough for the Dolphin Company. The organization – which owns several marine theme parks – has struggled to retain the reputation of its Florida parks in particular.
Florida’s Controversial Theme Parks At Risk
In early 2024, Miami Seaquarium lost its American Humane Association certification and reportedly owed Miami-Dade County nearly $88,000 in back rent. In March of that same year, Miami-Dade County officially pulled the plug on Seaquarium’s lease agreement, sparking a legal battle when the South Florida park didn’t close. This followed a string of federal inspectors flagging repeated violations, including an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin found with a two-inch nail lodged in its throat, and mold and peeling paint in the penguin and parrot enclosures.
Sanitation and staffing were also under scrutiny. According to inspection reports, pool water contained hazardous bacteria. Meanwhile, only one veterinarian was said to be responsible for the care of its diverse and demanding marine life in captivity, including manatees, sea turtles, and sharks.
Earlier this year, The Dolphin Company, which owns Miami Seaquarium, filed for bankruptcy protection. But rather than stabilizing, the crisis intensified. In April, former CEO Eduardo Albor allegedly barred debtors and officials from entering the company’s Cancun headquarters. Reports allege that he returned forcibly with individuals posing as armed state police officers.
This month, a U.S. bankruptcy judge levied daily sanctions of $10,000 against Albor. The penalties stem from his refusal to comply with a court order issued June 5, which instructed him to cease legal interference with a company entity in Mexico, Controladora Dolphin. The fines are being applied retroactively from June 19. The sanctions follow warnings from the company’s new leadership and court-appointed restructuring officer. They allege Albor helped orchestrate a scheme that redirected park revenue away from supervised accounts. According to court filings, the diversion used unauthorized card readers bought at a Costco in Cancun.
Because of ongoing disruption, a group of lenders recently infused the company with $10 million in emergency funds to support a managed breakup and sale of its 30 parks. Paul Keenan, legal counsel for the lenders, told the court that only parks outside Mexico are under their control. He described those properties as financially neutral. However, the company’s Mexican holdings—still outside the new management’s reach—remain the primary source of revenue.
“Mr. Albor’s strategy is to wear everyone down,” Keenan said, noting that further delays could lead to default and greater instability for the entire operation.
Presiding Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein did not rule on whether Albor misappropriated funds but stated that his continued legal obstruction was “undisputed.” She emphasized her concern about the potential consequences for animal welfare.
James Moon, representing Albor, argued that his client was acting in the interest of the company and still cared deeply about its operations and animals. However, Silverstein responded that “he needs to step back.”
What Will Happen to Miami Seaquarium?
The future of Miami Seaquarium remains uncertain, mirroring the broader instability facing all of the Dolphin Company’s properties.
Following a leadership shakeup, the new team overseeing the Seaquarium – which is best known for previously housing the orca Lolita, AKA Tokitae, who died not long after the park unveiled plans for her freedom – has asked the court to approve the sale of several Dolphin Company properties. This includes Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach.
A judge authorized $18 million in loans and cash collateral to cover operational expenses, including vendor payments, employee wages, and animal care.
Under the court-approved plan, the company must meet a series of deadlines tied to the sale of three Florida parks—Gulf World, Marineland Dolphin Adventure, and The Dolphin Connection—as well as three parks in Italy. Miami Seaquarium is not currently part of the sale.
The Dolphin Company has 60 days from June 25 to seek court approval to sell Gulf World. Within seven days, formal bids must be submitted. Seven days after the bid deadline, a court hearing will determine final approval, and the sale must be completed within 14 days of that ruling. If all deadlines are met, Gulf World could be sold in as little as three months.
Gulf World has been closed since May, following the death of a fifth dolphin in under a year. The latest loss, a 9-year-old bottlenose dolphin named Samira, came after four other dolphin deaths at the park since October, prompting renewed scrutiny.
The park did not share the cause of death but confirmed a temporary closure, which remains in effect. In response, Florida Sen. Jay Trumbull urged the swift removal of all remaining dolphins, calling the situation “disturbing and unacceptable” and demanding intervention from state wildlife authorities.
Though Gulf World had initially targeted a reopening in early June, that timeline has passed without updates. Dolphins housed at the facility have already been relocated to other parks.
According to a statement provided to Panama City News Herald, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that it and other partner agencies are actively working to transfer the remaining animals to safer locations.
What do you think should happen to Miami Seaquarium and Gulf World Marine Park?
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