The Miami Seaquarium has finally closed its doors
MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Seaquarium, a vintage Florida tourist destination famous for being the filming site of the 1960s TV show “Flipper” and for decades of dolphin and killer whale performances, has officially shut down.
The park, which first opened its gates in 1955, closed on Sunday—a moment animal rights advocates celebrated after years of campaigning for the release of the marine animals held there. Situated on a causeway just across from downtown Miami with views of Biscayne Bay, the Seaquarium was cherished by generations of locals and tourists alike, yet it long faced criticism and complaints over animal welfare conditions.
In 2023, Miami-Dade County issued an eviction notice to the attraction’s parent company, citing a “long and troubling record of violations.” Federal inspections had also uncovered serious issues, including unsafe facilities and deteriorating structures.
Visitors in recent years often had to pass lines of protestors outside the entrance, holding signs and chanting through bullhorns, while others prayed or burned incense in solidarity with the animals inside.
Much of the recent attention centered on Lolita, the park’s orca who spent over 50 years in a small tank. Her death occurred just as caretakers were preparing to relocate her to a sea sanctuary in the Pacific Northwest.
Plans are already underway to redevelop the site, with proposals for a modern, accredited aquarium that will not include marine mammals, along with a marine research center, shops, restaurants, and a public walkway along the bay.