Oct. 29, 2025
A Message from Donna Kassewitz — On Behalf of the SAVE MARINELAND DOLPHINS community coalition
It’s heartening to see so many people coming together to help preserve historic Marineland and protect the 17 dolphins who call it home. This is a shared mission rooted in compassion, respect, and responsibility toward these remarkable animals.
There is some malicious misinformation being spread about our coalition and about me personally. I want to address this directly and clearly.
The Save Marineland Dolphins community coalition is NOT affiliated in any way with The Dolphin Company. We are not a subsidiary, a startup, or an extension of that organization.
Our coalition is an independent group of dolphin experts, caretakers, researchers, and advocates — people who work hands-on with these animals every day. We are the ones who show up, even on a cold rainy day, to ensure the dolphins receive the best care possible. Our dedication is not theoretical; it’s lived, daily, with love and professionalism.
My life’s work has always been about building positive, respectful partnerships between humans and dolphins — creating pathways for education, stewardship, and understanding. For over three decades, I’ve been privileged to witness countless moments of healing and profound connection that only dolphins can inspire.
While I was one of the original co-founders of Dolphin Discovery (1991) — which later evolved into The Dolphin Company — my personal vision was always focused on ethical care and meaningful human-dolphin relationships. Over time, as the company grew, my ownership stake was diluted to just 4%. With such a small position, I had no controlling authority over corporate decisions I did not support, but I never stopped showing up and speaking up for what I believed in: the well-being of the dolphins.
Despite my lack of voting power in the board room, I was able to develop truly pioneering programs for meaningful human-dolphin partnerships. By starting our own separate nonprofit organization, my husband, Jack and I, conducted dolphin communication research, resulting in notable accomplishments and scientific papers. Our goal for this research has always been about empowering dolphins by giving them a scientifically acknowledged voice among humans. Our research was featured in three science documentaries, one was awarded as the top science documentary in Europe.
Not everyone at The Dolphin Company shared my vision, but many did. It is an injustice that so many good people have been blamed for the actions of others. It’s painful to see how misinformation harms good people and noble causes, yet I remain deeply proud of the positive contributions made by so many dedicated individuals throughout this journey. That spirit of goodness — the light that comes from genuine care — is what will endure.
Today, our new community coalition is focused on the future. The coalition has an exciting, forward-looking plan for Marineland including research and evolving-enrichment for the dolphins, with the ultimate goal of the dolphins themselves directing their daily programs. This enrichment is designed as a “communication game”, because game play is an integral part of mental stimulation and balanced health. Indeed, we have found that dolphins quickly get bored when we humans take our dolphin research too seriously.
Our plan also includes expanding socially responsible programs to benefit autistic and other special-needs individuals and their families, veterans with PTSD, cancer treatment patients, clinically depressed patients, seniors with cognitive impairment and others wishing to partner with dolphins in therapeutic ways. We know from experience how much good can be accomplished in this arena. The dolphins have a unique way of helping people find their joy again – a big step towards healthy outcomes. Marineland has already helped many such groups; we will expand these opportunities and add to the scientific data surrounding these types of interspecies interactions.
This plan serves the dolphins, the local community and global visitors. We invite everyone who shares our vision to join us in this mission. With the right partnerships, we will create something truly meaningful — a new chapter in the living legacy of Marineland with innovation, education, and stewardship.
We ask that the debtors and their representatives in this bankruptcy case, work with our community coalition to create this positive outcome and that the wisdom of the court guide us. Together, we can ensure that Marineland remains a place of care, compassion, and connection for generations to come.
I thank you for caring about dolphins!
— Donna Kassewitz
SaveMarinelandDolphins.org