Miami-Dade County has pulled the plug on a controversial deal that would have allowed Miami Wilds to construct a water park on Zoo Miami property. In a clear-cut decision that marks the end of a fiercely debated proposal, County officials confirmed on Tuesday the termination of their lease agreement with the development group amid strong opposition from environmental activists and community figures.

The pivot away from the project arrives in the wake of intense scrutiny and public outcry over the potential ecological impact of the proposed water park. Official information was received from the Mayor's office indicating that there was a mutual mistake in the understanding of the validity of the lease. The office stated, "while Miami Wilds and the County may have entered into the lease with the understanding that the 2022 release was valid and effective, the parties were mutually mistaken." This was reported by NBC Miami.

Back in December, the heat had already turned up on Miami Wilds when the Miami-Dade commissioners, anticipating a vote on the lease extension, were met with the withdrawal of the item by Commissioner Kionne McGhee. Developer Bernard Zyscovich expressed his frustration regarding the halt of the project, stating, "Don’t ask me I’m not an attorney, but it seems to me this was basically killed without the data, without the science," as outlined in an NBC Miami interview.

Activists and conservation advocates were quick to celebrate the decision, cumulating in relief for the natural habitats that flank the zoo inventory. Zoo Miami spokesperson Ron Magill, an outspoken critic of the project, took to social media to extend gratitude, saying It's official! Miami-Dade County has rescinded the lease with Miami Wilds to build a water park on environmentally sensitive land at Zoo Miami! Thanks to all who fought so hard against all odds to protect our environment! Special thanks to @MayorDaniella for following through! Thanks to all who fought so hard against all odds to protect our environment! Special thanks to @MayorDaniella for following through!" This was relayed through a post from Ron Magill himself.

It's official! Miami-Dade County has rescinded the lease with Miami Wilds to build a water park on environmentally sensitive land at Zoo Miami! Thanks to all who fought so hard against all odds to protect our environment! Special thanks to @MayorDaniella for following through! pic.twitter.com/I5BBJOk2Vh

— Ron Magill (@RonMagill) January 30, 2024