The American firm **The Dolphin Company (TDC)**, operator of [marine and aquatic parks](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/indignacion-mundial-por-orcas-y-delfines-abandonados-en-un-parque-acuatico-cerrado-en-francia/), has filed for **bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the United States law** and is now proposing to **sell around 2,400 marine animals**, including **dolphins, sea lions, and penguins**, citing **”excessively high” costs** for their care and a growing lack of liquidity.
The process of selling animals and real estate assets is subject to the **approval of a bankruptcy court**, and is part of an operational restructuring assumed by **advisors appointed by lenders**, following the replacement of the former management.
## Allegations of mistreatment and facility closures
The financial collapse occurs alongside a series of accusations of negligence in the **[care of animals](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/brasil-prohibe-tatuajes-y-piercings-por-maltrato-animal-en-perros-y-gatos-con-penas-de-hasta-5-anos-de-carcel/)**, particularly at the **Gulf World** park in Florida, where the **death of five bottlenose dolphins in a year** was reported, and which is currently under **investigation by the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)** and the **US Department of Agriculture (USDA)**.
Audits revealed:
– **Serious deficiencies in water quality**
– **Deteriorated structures**
– **Unhealthy conditions** for marine species, including penguins confined in inadequate habitats
This deterioration was attributed to **”years of neglect”** under the previous administration, according to spokespersons for the current judicial advisors.
## Live assets as debt collateral
According to court records, **animals are considered high-value assets** and are part of the collateral to settle a **debt exceeding $100 million**. The most valuable species would be **dolphins and sea lions**, raising concerns among animal welfare organizations about their fate during or after the liquidation.
“The sale will contribute not only to the debtors’ estate but also to the welfare and safety of the animals,” TDC argued in a recent court submission, despite growing criticism from the public and activists.
## Internal conflict and resistance from Mexico
The process also involves a **legal battle with the former CEO**, **Eduardo Albor**, who initially refused to **relinquish control of the parks in Mexico**, the company’s main headquarters, complicating the efforts of the current interveners appointed by the creditors.
The company claimed to have adopted a continuous improvement approach to **animal welfare**, hiring experts in **marine biology and veterinary medicine**, although **activists like Sylvia Jones** lead campaigns to **close facilities and relocate animals to sanctuaries**, given the “deplorable situation” documented in some parks.
## Under debate: ethics of captivity and management of marine animals
The case of The Dolphin Company once again exposes the **tensions between the entertainment model with captive wildlife and contemporary animal welfare standards**, in an unprecedented legal scenario due to the magnitude of animals involved and the use of species as **collateral for financial obligations**.
