Miami-Dade County officials are taking a strong stance against the Miami Seaquarium and the alleged mistreatment of its aquatic residents. The county has served notice to terminate the theme park's lease, pointing to a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report. As outlined in a Jan. 21 letter to Eduardo Albor, president of park operator The Dolphin Company, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed "profound frustration" over "multiple and repeated" animal welfare violations, as NBC Miami reported.
According to the USDA report written last November, there were sightings of dolphin pools in disrepair and high bacteria counts in waters where marine mammals reside. Also cited in the county's letter was the inadequate number of trained employees in the veterinary care department—with just one veterinarian looking after various animals, a fact that has raised considerable concern. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement to 7News, "Miami-Dade County values the safety and well-being of all our residents and visitors, including the animals that are currently under the care of the Miami Seaquarium."
The controversy surrounding the Seaquarium has escalated along with the death of Sundance, a dolphin after 30 years at the facility, while the iconic orca Lolita died following a sudden illness months earlier. Charges of poor animal care and the decay of enclosures provoked not only official response but also public outcry, with protesters standing outside the Seaquarium, calling for the cease of what they term as the captivation of animals trapped in tanks. "Every day that this abusive facility remains open, is another day that these animal’s lives are in danger," a protester told 7News.
The Seaquarium’s future stands at a crossroad, with the county issuing several Notices of Default and considering the first confiscation of marine mammals by the USDA in 30 years. In light of these events, individuals from animal rights organizations like PETA are finding reason to celebrate, anticipating relief for the animals they claim have languished in inadequate conditions. "PETA has champagne on ice and is preparing to celebrate the day the animals are finally freed from the dilapidated concrete tanks where Lolita and so many others lived and died in misery," a spokesperson was quoted in an NBC Miami statement. Miami-Dade County has confirmed it intends to partner with the USDA to prioritize the welfare of the animals and ensure a suitable transition.
In the meantime, the Miami Seaquarium has been silent on its next move. After being contacted by 7News, the facility did not provide a comment. The community and marine life advocates, nonetheless, continue to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that puts the well-being of the Seaquarium's inhabitants at the forefront.
