The court will determine whether the Miami Seaquarium must be evicted following a lawsuit filed by Miami-Dade County against Dolphin Company, a Mexico-based firm that owns the theme park.
Miami-Dade's administration has initiated an eviction lawsuit against the Miami Seaquarium, demanding the company vacate the public land along the city's waterfront. The grounds for eviction include allegations of animal mistreatment and facility deterioration. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in the Miami-Dade Circuit Court, marking the final step for a judge to decide whether the park should leave the property.
Miami-Dade owns the 38 acres of land that the Seaquarium's parent company leases from the county. The administration, led by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, focuses on alleged operational failures and concerns over the care of dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and other species in the theme park.
Attorneys for Dolphin Company deny the county's accusations, arguing they are based on "incorrect facts." These points were detailed in a lawsuit filed against Miami-Dade in federal court in April, aiming to halt the eviction process.
The Tuesday lawsuit relies on critical inspection reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which regulates the care of captive animals used for entertainment. Additionally, the Seaquarium is accused of failing to perform necessary repairs on the county-owned facilities, which were inherited two years ago from the previous operator.
Dolphin Company contends that it has been unfairly blamed for maintenance issues that were neglected for years before the ownership change. In a joint statement with Commissioner Raquel Regalado, Levine Cava emphasized that the county prioritizes the animals' safety in this dispute with the facility.
"Our top priority has always been the safety and well-being of the hundreds of animals under the Seaquarium's care, and it is crucial that we proceed in the manner that best protects them," she stated.
In October 2023, a routine inspection by the USDA revealed troubling conditions of animal mistreatment at the Seaquarium. The inspection highlighted cases of negligence, including animals with untreated health issues. The situation deteriorated further with the death of the orca Lolita in August 2023, whose cause of death was linked to the aquarium's conditions.
In response to the legal actions and criticism, Dolphin Company labeled the county's lawsuit as "baseless and politically motivated." The company insists it is working to address the USDA's concerns and improve conditions for the animals under its care.
Key Issues in the Miami Seaquarium Eviction Case
As the court case progresses, several key questions arise regarding the accusations and the future of the Miami Seaquarium. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What are the main reasons for the eviction lawsuit against the Miami Seaquarium?
The primary reasons for the eviction lawsuit include allegations of animal mistreatment and the deterioration of facilities leased from Miami-Dade County.
Who owns the land on which the Miami Seaquarium operates?
Miami-Dade County owns the 38 acres of land that the Seaquarium leases from the county.
What were the findings of the USDA inspection in October 2023?
The USDA inspection identified troubling conditions of animal mistreatment, including cases of negligence and untreated health issues among the animals.
How has Dolphin Company responded to the lawsuit and allegations?
Dolphin Company has denied the county's accusations, calling the lawsuit "baseless and politically motivated," and stated it is working to address the USDA's concerns and improve animal care conditions.