The Miami Seaquarium, a longtime Miami landmark since 1955, will permanently close today after filing for bankruptcy. The marine park, operated by The Dolphin Company, faced financial challenges, infrastructure issues, and repeated animal welfare allegations in recent years, according to Local 10.
WSVN reported that animal rights activists gathered outside the park yesterday to raise concerns about the remaining animals and their relocation. While the closure marks the end of operations, uncertainty remains over where the animals will be moved.
The site will be redeveloped by Miami’s Terra Group, which plans to build a marina, retail spaces, restaurants, and an accredited aquarium that will not house marine mammals. Representatives from SoFlo Animal Rights told Local 10 they will monitor the project to ensure it does not include any form of animal captivity.
The closure follows years of public scrutiny, intensified by the death of Lolita, the world’s oldest captive orca, and inspection reports citing welfare violations. As operations end, the Miami Seaquarium closes a significant chapter in the city’s history while prompting discussions about the future of marine life care.
