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Troubled Miami Seaquarium Closes After 70 Years of Animal Welfare Issues
9 Oct
Summary
- Marine park plagued by animal deaths, inspection violations
- Sold to real estate firm for $22.5 million, to become accredited aquarium
- Remaining 16 dolphins, 20+ seals and sea lions need to be relocated
In a major development, the Miami Seaquarium, a marine park plagued by animal welfare issues and repeated inspection violations, is set to close its doors after 70 years of operation. The park, owned by the MS Leisure Company under subsidiary The Dolphin Company, has been the subject of criticism and regular protests from animal rights groups for over a decade.
On October 6, 2025, the Seaquarium announced it had agreed to sell the lease for its waterfront property to Resilient Aquarium LLC, a subsidiary of Florida real estate company Terra, for $22.5 million. The deal will result in the park being transformed into an "accredited aquarium" with "marine-focused retail and dining." However, this also means the park's remaining 16 dolphins and more than 20 seals and sea lions will need to be relocated.
The Seaquarium has faced a spate of animal deaths and legal battles over the years, including the highly-publicized saga of Orca Toki, also known as Lolita, who died there in 2023. In September 2025, a dolphin named Bimini became the latest of at least 11 marine mammals to die at the park since March 2022, when The Dolphin Company purchased the property.
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The closure of the Miami Seaquarium marks the end of a troubled chapter, with animal rights organizations and the public now focused on ensuring the remaining marine animals are transferred to proper sanctuaries or accredited facilities that can provide them with the care and dignity they deserve.
