Published May 1, 2026 by Elena Waldman.

A 15-year-old dolphin named Zoe has died at Dolphin Life in Key Largo, a Florida operation that sells exploitative, harmful “swim with dolphins” encounters. Dolphins like Zoe can live at least 40 years, but like so many trapped at marine parks, Zoe died far short of her natural lifespan.

How Did Zoe Die?

Zoe was used in direct-contact encounters at Dolphin Life, forced into unnatural, stressful interactions with the public. She reportedly suffered from a gastrointestinal infection and pancreatitis. The park says her illnesses progressed into an immune-mediated condition, causing anemia. Gastrointestinal disease is extremely common in captive dolphins due to chronic stress, poor diet, and ingestion of foreign material.

In nature, these social, intelligent animals swim up to 60 miles a day and dive deep beneath the ocean’s surface as they explore with their pods. But at marine parks, they’re often confined to small tanks or shallow lagoons, forced to perform, or prodded at by visitors. Reputable animal-care facilities, such as those accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, never force animals into hands-on encounters or allow visitors to touch or ride them.

PETA Urges Action to Save Others Before It’s Too Late

Zoe died after spending her life being used for direct-contact encounters, instead of swimming freely in the open ocean, where she would have used her keen senses to hunt with her family and choose her activities. She was exploited her entire life—but there’s still a chance to do right by the others who are suffering there.

PETA has sent an urgent letter to Dolphin Life’s founder and director, calling on the facility to immediately end all swim with dolphin encounters and commit to transfer the remaining dolphins to seaside sanctuaries, where they could finally have autonomy and freedom from exploitation.

Stay Away From Marine Parks, ‘Swim With Dolphin’ Encounters, and Other Cruel Attractions

Any facility that sells hands-on encounters with marine animals doesn’t care about the safety of the animals or visitors. They just want to make a buck.