The Miami Seaquarium, a prominent aquatic theme park located on Miami’s waterfront, is facing eviction following a decision by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. This comes after a series of concerning issues, including the death of the park’s famous orca, Lolita, also known as Tokitae, who died last year after over 50 years in captivity. The Seaquarium has been ordered to vacate its site by April 21 due to numerous violations detailed in federal inspections and a history of concerns over animal welfare.

The federal reports highlighted a range of problems, including unsafe buildings and the mistreatment of marine mammals. Findings showed alarming conditions such as animals ingesting foreign objects, inadequate veterinary care, and deficient facilities. Over the park’s history, at least 120 dolphins and whales have died, with the most recent inspections bringing to light the severity of the situation.

The Miami Seaquarium has been an iconic destination since its depiction in the 1960s TV show “Flipper.” However, it has also been the focus of intense scrutiny and debate over animal rights, particularly concerning the long-term captivity and treatment of marine animals like Lolita. Animal welfare activists and experts, including Dr. Naomi Rose, a senior scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute’s Marine Life Program, have expressed relief over the eviction notice, citing it as a corrective measure against longstanding issues of animal welfare violations at the theme park.

As the Seaquarium faces potential closure, the fate of its current marine residents and the future of the facility itself remain uncertain. Miami-Dade County and relevant authorities are now faced with the task of determining the future care and relocation of the dozens of animals previously housed at the Seaquarium.