After Years of Protests and Outrage, a Florida Theme Park Is No More

Florida’s tourism empire has long been built on sun, spectacle, and sprawling resorts. Yet behind the glitz, the state’s amusement industry has frequently become a stage for cultural battles, legal disputes, and heated debates about animal welfare.

Beyond the big-name giants, smaller and regional attractions have often shouldered the heaviest scrutiny. Issues ranging from outdated safety measures to questionable treatment of animals have sparked local outrage and drawn the attention of regulators. These recurring clashes have underscored the fragility of Florida’s reputation as a global destination for family fun.

Against this backdrop, one park has stood out as Florida’s most persistent flashpoint.

Miami Seaquarium’s Fall From Grace

Arguably, Miami Seaquarium has established itself as one of — if not the most — controversial parks in the Sunshine State. For decades, it weathered protests, lawsuits, and federal citations, all while operating along the shores of Biscayne Bay.

The park’s reputation took a critical blow with the story of Lolita, also known as Tokitae. The orca spent more than 50 years confined in what activists called an inadequate “Whale Bowl.” When she died in 2023 — just as plans were being finalized to transfer her to a sea pen — critics declared it the final indictment of the Seaquarium’s long history of mismanagement.

Her loss was only one part of the crisis. The facility faced mounting debt, including nearly $88,000 in unpaid rent to Miami-Dade County, and lost professional accreditations such as its American Humane Association certification. Earlier this year, parent company The Dolphin Company filed for bankruptcy protection, signaling just how dire the situation had become.

Closing the Gates After 70 Years

On October 12, after 70 years of operation, Miami Seaquarium closed its gates for good. Animal rights activists marked the moment with a toast outside the entrance, celebrating what they saw as a long-overdue victory.

“As announced on September 26, the Company, Miami Seaquarium, received several written offers and verbal expressions of interest to acquire the lease of the Seaquarium,” the park wrote on Instagram. “After carefully considering such offers, the Company determined that the offer from Resilient Aquarium LLC, an affiliate of Terra, provided the highest and best offer.”

Terra Group, a Miami-based developer, has proposed a sweeping transformation of the site. Its $22.5 million plan envisions a public bay walk, marina, restaurants, and shops. Chief executive David Martin has suggested an aquarium free of marine mammals and new educational programming focused on conservation.

According to The New York Times, a veterinary consultancy has been hired to oversee the relocation of the park’s remaining animals, which include sea lions, penguins, manta rays, and bamboo sharks. Guests who once paid extra for dolphin swims and shark encounters will not see those offerings return.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner Raquel Regalado praised the deal in a joint statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling it a “major step forward” for the county.

The Dolphin Company has announced a new agreement with Terra Group to assume the lease of the Miami Seaquarium, opening a new chapter for this iconic location, the animals in its care, and the people who work and visit there every day. The deal awaits court and Board approval.

The Dolphin Company has announced a new agreement with Terra Group to assume the lease of the Miami Seaquarium, opening a new chapter for this iconic location, the animals in its care, and the people who work and visit there every day. The deal awaits court and Board approval. pic.twitter.com/TWBg6sBZ1O

— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) September 26, 2025

The Seaquarium had long described itself as Florida’s “premier aquarium” and boasted of “unparalleled experiences for visitors of all ages.” It claimed, “Since 1955, Miami Seaquarium has consistently prioritized conservation and care… From beach cleanups to the compassionate care of animals and the education of the next generation, everything we do is centered around the key principles of Conservation and Care.”

Yet its critics point to decades of contradictions between its words and actions. The Dolphin Company has now seen two of its U.S. parks shut down in less than a year. Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City closed in May after a series of dolphin deaths and a state raid.

How do you feel about the closure of Miami Seaquarium?