It’s a showdown in Miami as the Seaquarium's landlord, Miami-Dade County, has issued a stern eviction notice to The Dolphin Company, the operator of the iconic marine attraction. With accusations of animal mistreatment and facility neglect hovering like a storm cloud, the company has been given until April 21 to vacate the premises, as reported by Hoodline. The eviction stems from a "long and troubling history of violations," according to a letter from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's office, demanding The Dolphin Company to "surrender and deliver possession of the Property back to the Lessor."
In an unyielding response, the Seaquarium's executives attempted to firmly push back against the county's decision. They handed over a nine-page letter pleading for a reversal, claiming they have diligently worked to correct the cited issues and highlighting their "valid and binding" lease agreement. According to NBC Miami, the executive director, Edwin Gonzalez, said with apparent concern, "The prospect of terminating our lease does not only jeopardize the future of this beloved institution but also has far-reaching implications for the community we serve and the dedicated team that makes our mission possible."
Mayor Levine Cava, undeterred, called the lease termination "inevitable," citing the park's failure to uphold its contractual obligations, as she told NBC Miami. The County Mayor emphasized the repeated violations regarding animal welfare and facilities maintenance. Inspections by the USDA added to the park's woes, revealing incidents such as a nail found in a dolphin's throat and a sea lion suffering from eye pain, according to her office.
The Dolphin Company insisted that upon the USDA's initial concerns, they have not only adequately addressed but corrected compliance issues, a move to swiftly mitigate any further scrutiny. In their defense, Gonzalez told NBC Miami, "We are committed to addressing any remaining concerns through dialogue and collaboration." Furthermore, the company stressed that the USDA removed its concern in a subsequent November 14, 2022, Inspection Report, after the Seaquarium immediately corrected an issue concerning the dolphin's food portions.
