A once-popular Florida theme park continues to face intense criticism and legal challenges amid a long-standing history of animal welfare concerns.
Miami Seaquarium’s Controversial History
The Miami Seaquarium has long been at the center of animal welfare controversies for years, with numerous USDA investigations revealing troubling incidents regarding its marine mammals.
Among the most distressing cases was that of a sea lion named Sushi, who suffered from delayed cataract surgery, resulting in unnecessary pain and, ultimately, death in January 2024. Additional disturbing reports surfaced, including a dolphin found with a nail lodged in its mouth and another dolphin with a bolt embedded in its body.
The park’s veterinary staff, responsible for over 100 animals, faced criticism for their inability to manage these issues effectively, leading to pools contaminated with harmful bacteria.
The park’s ongoing challenges were further highlighted by the loss of its last remaining orca, Lolita (also known as Tokitae), who died last summer just months after Miami Seaquarium’s owner, the Dolphin Company, vowed to return her to the wild.
The killer whale had been the subject of years of public outcry regarding her living conditions, which critics argued were unsuitable (by which we mean far too small) for such a large marine mammal. Case in point: her tank was nicknamed “the Whale Bowl.”
Legal Battles and Government Scrutiny
In 2024, Miami-Dade County moved to evict the Miami Seaquarium from its property due to its consistent violations of lease agreements and its failure to meet basic standards for animal care. The eviction was backed by environmental and animal rights groups, which have long criticized the Florida theme park for its poor track record in animal welfare.
A letter from Jimmy Morales, the County’s chief operating officer, outlined the “numerous and significant violations” of the park’s lease, citing its “complete disregard for the safety of [its] animals.” Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also referenced the park’s “long and troubling history of violations.”
The eviction sparked a legal battle, with the Miami Seaquarium contesting the decision and arguing that it had made efforts to improve the park’s conditions. However, the negative publicity surrounding the park has led to widespread skepticism, and government sentiment has remained firmly against the Seaquarium.
Recent Issues and Ongoing Challenges
The Miami Seaquarium was originally slated to close in April 2024 due to the eviction order, but it remains in operation as it fights the decision in court. Although the park has passed several USDA inspections, recent reports suggest that problems persist.
According to Local 10 News, federal inspectors visited the park after whistleblowers reported that the park’s head veterinarian had left, leaving only one unlicensed vet responsible for the animals. In addition, two veterinary staff members resigned in protest over the quality of care.
County officials claimed that the letter was so concerning they attempted an unannounced visit to the Virginia Key facility on Wednesday, but were refused entry.
Credit: Leonardo DaSilva, Flickr
The whistleblowers also indicated that the park is struggling financially, with employees claiming they have not been paid for over a month. Reports also state that the Seaquarium is having difficulty affording food for its animals and keeping operations running smoothly.
In another concerning development, Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department officials served the Florida theme park with a notice threatening to cut off its water supply due to an outstanding bill. The notice warned that if the $1,263.12 bill was not paid within seven days, water service could be terminated.
While the bill was eventually paid, this incident highlights the ongoing financial struggles of the embattled theme park.
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