Miami Seaquarium to permanently close after years of controversy

The Miami Seaquarium is permanently closing on 12 October after 70 years in operation, and following sustained criticism over several years.

The closure of the Florida-based marine park comes after several challenges in recent years. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cited the Miami Seaquarium for various violations, including inadequate animal care.

The USDA inspection was carried out not long before captive orca Lolita died at the facility just as plans were progressing to release her to her home waters.

Following the inspection, Miami-Dade County terminated its lease with the Miami Seaquarium. The venue's former owner, the Dolphin Company, then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US earlier this year.

This summer, three Florida-based marine parks owned by the Dolphin Company – the Miami Seaquarium, Gulf World Marine Park, and Marineland Dolphin Adventure – were listed for sale.

PETA welcomes marine park's closure

Animal welfare advocates, including PETA, have long criticised the Miami Seaquarium. In response to the imminent closure of the park, PETA president Tracy Reiman said in a statement:

"Champagne corks are popping at PETA, following the news that the Miami Seaquarium is finally having to shut its doors after more than 50 long years of imprisoning sick and suffering animals in crumbling concrete tanks, denying them veterinary care, and forcing them to perform tricks.

"PETA is calling for the survivors to be sent to seaside sanctuaries where they can finally get the care they need and live some semblance of natural lives."

Via the Miami Seaquarium's Instagram page, the facility's lease has been acquired by Resilient Aquarium LLC, a Terra entity. The company will invest in and renovate the Seaquarium while it's closed.

"Terra's proposal contemplates substantial investment in, and renovation of, the Seaquarium to modernize it in a manner that respects the history of the site and is consistent with applicable laws and regulations," a statement reads.

"In order to begin that modernization process, the final day that guests will be able to visit the park, until the process is complete, will be October 12, 2025."