Despite an eviction order from Miami-Dade County, Miami Seaquarium is still occupying its beachfront location. The County states that the Seaquarium does not meet animal welfare regulations and provides substandard living conditions for marine mammals. Therefore, the County has decided to terminate the Seaquarium’s lease.
The Dolphin Company, which runs the Seaquarium, has strongly denied allegations of mistreating animals. They claim that the County’s actions are politically motivated and an attempt to seize valuable real estate overlooking Biscayne Bay for redevelopment. Despite the ongoing eviction drama, the park remains open and welcomes visitors. However, a group of protestors who always gather outside the Seaquarium urged the public to boycott the facility due to concerns over animal welfare.
“These magnificent creatures aren’t entertainment props!” boomed Michael Jones, a marine biologist leading the protest, his voice amplified by a megaphone. “Confining them to these concrete tanks is akin to solitary confinement! They deserve better!” Holding signs that read “Empty the Tanks!” and “Miami Seaquarium: Shame on You!”, the protestors engaged in heated debates with some leading potential visitors to leave.
The Dolphin Company has hired a legal team led by Daniella Ramirez, a well-known lawyer known for her aggressive tactics in court. Ramirez accused the County of using bullying tactics and said they plan to fight the eviction with everything they’ve got. She alleges that the County’s inspectors falsified evidence and that the Seaquarium meets all animal care standards. Meanwhile, a legal storm is brewing behind the scenes.
Commissioner Isabel Rodriguez declared during a County Commission meeting that Miami-Dade County officials are committed to creating a more sustainable future for the waterfront property. They plan to develop an ecologically-focused project that benefits everyone in the community. The County has decided to end the exploitation of marine life for entertainment. They firmly stand by this decision.
Miami Seaqurium since the 1950s, Romeo and Juliet, transferred to the Tampa Zoo for healthcare because of their old age in the December 2023. Juliet died later on. (Catalina Infante)
The Miami Seaquarium’s future is uncertain, and its employees may lose their jobs. What will happen to the marine life there, including dolphins, sea lions, etc. ? Legal battles are expected to continue for a long time, possibly months or even years.
The Miami Seaquarium’s future is a subject of heated debate. Many are questioning the ethics of keeping marine mammals in captivity, the responsibility of corporations towards animal welfare, and the economic viability of traditional aquariums at a time when environmental concerns are at an all-time high.
This concern for sea animal theme parks began some years ago after the shocking documentary, Blackfish, retold the life and death of a killer whale. Since Blackfish, which debuted in 2013, many sea-life theme parks have faced similar protests.
