Amidst death threats and intense public scrutiny, Barbero disappeared and was later found dead, having died by suicide. Core Themes
The video sparked global outrage and a massive social media "media circus". Barbero denied the allegations, claiming the video was a manipulation by disgruntled former employees. The Last Dolphin King Legendas PortuguГЄs (pt)
(Portuguese title: O Que Aconteceu com o Rei dos Golfinhos? ) is a Spanish documentary film released in 2022 that investigates the controversial life and tragic death of renowned dolphin trainer José Luis Barbero . Amidst death threats and intense public scrutiny, Barbero
The footage, released by animal rights activists, allegedly showed Barbero physically abusing dolphins at Marineland Mallorca in Spain. (Portuguese title: O Que Aconteceu com o Rei dos Golfinhos
Directed by Luis Ansorena Hervés and Ernest Riera, the film goes beyond Barbero’s personal story to question the broader ethics of cetacean captivity : Watch The Last Dolphin King
The documentary follows the "rise and fall" of Barbero, who was often called the world's best dolphin trainer. At the height of his 30-year career in 2015, just as he was appointed Vice President of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, a 99-second blurry video surfaced online.
The film is available on Netflix with Portuguese subtitles and audio options.