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Credit: Isabelle Puaut, FlickrA controversial Florida theme park has faced even more backlash over the past few weeks, with threats to turn off its water over unpaid bills and inspectors dropping by the park.
The Miami Seaquarium has faced a turbulent history marked by controversy and animal welfare concerns. Once a beloved marine park, it has come under fire in recent years for alleged mistreatment of animals and failing to comply with environmental regulations. These issues have prompted multiple legal battles, culminating in significant government scrutiny.
A History of Controversy at Miami Seaquarium
USDA investigations revealed concerning cases of animal care at the Miami Seaquarium, including a sea lion named Sushi, whose delayed cataract surgery led to immense suffering and death in January 2024. Disturbing incidents included a dolphin found with a nail in its mouth, another with a bolt embedded in its body, and pools contaminated with harmful bacteria, all managed by a single veterinarian responsible for over 100 animals.
The park also lost its last remaining killer whale, Lolita (AKA Tokitae), last summer. It had previously vowed to return the orca to her natural waters in the Salish Sea after decades of backlash against her living conditions in a tank known as the “whale bowl.”
Earlier this year, the situation escalated when Miami-Dade County moved to evict the Miami Seaquarium from its property. The decision was driven by the park’s persistent failure to address violations highlighted in prior inspections and pay its rent. Environmental and animal rights groups supported the eviction, citing the park’s long-standing inability to meet basic care standards for its marine inhabitants.
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.”
The eviction triggered an ongoing legal dispute as the Miami Seaquarium fought to retain its lease. Park officials argued that the eviction was unwarranted and pointed to efforts they claimed had been made to improve conditions. However, public and government sentiment largely remained against the park, fueled by years of negative publicity and mounting allegations of negligence.
Latest Developments at Embattled Florida Theme Park
The South Florida theme park was originally supposed to close in April, as per the order laid out by Miami-Dade County. Over seven months later, the park remains in operation as it wages its legal battle against the eviction.
While the park has since passed several USDA inspections, the latest developments suggest that the drama is far from over for Miami Seaquarium.
According to Local 10 News, federal inspectors visited the Miami Seaquarium last week following reports from two whistleblowers who alleged that the head veterinarian had left for another facility, leaving just one vet reportedly unlicensed to practice in the United States. Two veterinary staff members allegedly resigned in protest over the quality of animal care.
Meanwhile, the same whistleblowers claimed that the Florida theme park – which is now only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – has been unable to pay staff for over a month and is struggling to afford food and sustain operations.
County officials stated that the letter raised such concern that they attempted an unannounced site visit to the Virginia Key facility last Wednesday, but were denied entry.
On the same day that federal inspectors visited the Miami Seaquarium, two employees from the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department also arrived to serve notice that the park’s water would soon be suspended due to non-payment. The notice stated that “if payment is not received within seven days, the service may be terminated.”
While Local 10 News sent reporters to the park, security was soon called. County workers were eventually admitted into the locked management office. A Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department official later told the outlet that its $1,263.12 outstanding bill had now been paid, avoiding a potential block on water.
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