UPDATE: Florida Theme Park Fights Government Eviction, Insists It Offers the “Highest Standards of Care”

in Theme Parks

Trainer on orca at Miami Seaquarium

Credit: Isabelle Puaut, Flickr

After months of controversy, one Florida theme park is fighting an eviction notice served up by the local government (and subsequently ignored by the park) earlier this year.

The history of Miami Seaquarium is long – and troubled. Since its opening in 1955, the marine theme park has faced ongoing criticism regarding the conditions of its captive animals, which currently include dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and more.

Mass Controversy at Miami Seaquarium

Tokitae killer whale and trainer at Miami Seaquarium
Credit: Isabelle Puaut, Flickr

Related: Is SeaWorld Getting Rid of Its Killer Whales?

Among the most shocking findings from investigations by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are the tragic stories of Sushi, a sea lion whose cataract surgery was so delayed that she suffered severe pain and refused to eat, leading to her death in January 2024.

Disturbingly, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin was discovered with a two-inch nail lodged in its mouth, and another had a bolt embedded in its body. Additionally, the park’s pools were teeming with harmful bacteria, while just one veterinarian was responsible for the care of 42 marine mammals, 47 birds, and countless fish.

Most notably, the park drew decades of criticism over its use of killer whales for entertainment (much like Florida’s other controversial marine park, SeaWorld Orlando).

A dolphin trainer in a wetsuit interacts with performing dolphins in a large pool at a Florida theme park. The dolphins are performing tricks, splashing water around. A crowd of spectators watches attentively from the stands behind a clear barrier.
Credit: Isabelle Puaut, Flickr

The death of Lolita (also known as Tokitae) in August 2023 marked a heartbreaking end to a long and bitter fight for her freedom. Activists had spent decades battling to liberate her from the cramped “whale bowl” where she spent years alone after the death of her companion, Hugo.

Tragically, Hugo’s life ended in 1980 after suffering a brain aneurysm, having spent his final months violently thrashing and ramming his head against the tank walls.

The Theme Park’s Failed Eviction

In March, Miami Seaquarium received an eviction notice from the Miami-Dade Commission for failing to meet the required standards of animal care outlined in its lease.

A letter sent by Jimmy Morales, the Commission’s chief operating officer, claimed that the Florida theme park had committed “numerous and significant violations” of its lease and accused it of having “a complete disregard for the safety of [its] animals.” Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also cited a “long and troubling history of violations.”

Tokitae performing as Lolita at Miami Seaquarium
Credit: Leonardo DaSilva, Flickr

But Miami Seaquarium isn’t giving up that easy.

While the initial notice required the park to vacate its 38-acre premises in Key Biscayne by April 21, this date came and went with the Miami Seaquarium still in operation. A statement shared with Inside the Magic revealed plans to “deliver proof to the landlord that none of the defaults or violations occurred, have been cured, or are in the process of being cured during the period specified in the contract.”

Its owner, the Dolphin Company, later filed a lawsuit arguing that the county violated the lease by trying to evict the park before its expiry date (2044). It also argued that it had inherited a lot of Miami Seaquarium’s operational issues when it took over the park in 2022. While it filed for a temporary restraining order, it later dropped this bid in May.

Seals at Miami Seaquarium
Credit: Miami Seaquarium

Related: 14 Whales Die at Popular Theme Park, Raising Concerns About Animal Welfare

The ensuing legal battle has led to more revelations about the park, such as the fact that a USDA confiscation notice was sent to MS Leisure Company (a subsidiary of the Dolphin Company) for four of its animals in January but neglected to so after the park corrected the issues listed by the confiscation notice.

Will Miami Seaquarium Close for Good?

While the legal battle between Miami-Dade County and Miami Seaquarium is still ongoing, one recent revelation tips the scale in the marine park’s favor.

Last week, the park revealed that its latest inspection by the USDA on July 1 found no “non-compliant items.” As per Miami Seaquarium, this is the second inspection in a row to produce such a result.

Dolphins perform at Miami Seaquarium
Credit: Leonardo Dasilva, Flickr

“This recognition underscores the outstanding work and dedication of our entire team to uphold the highest standards of care and operations,” Seaquarium executive director Edwin Gonzalez said in a statement (via NBC Miami). “We are proud to continue serving our community while ensuring the well-being of the animals and the quality of our facilities.”

NBC Miami previously gave an inside look at the Florida theme park in June, showing the major improvements that had been made to its facilities.

Do you think the Miami Seaquarium should remain open?

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