The iconic Miami Seaquarium, a staple of South Florida's collective memory since 1955, is set to close its doors by the end of 2025 to make way for a significant transformation. Known for its involvement in legal controversies and allegations of animal mistreatment, the facility will be redeveloped into a state-of-the-art aquarium without marine mammals under the guidance of Terra Group, a developer based in Coconut Grove.
A Fresh Start Without Animal Performances
According to a "frequently asked questions" document obtained by Local 10, Terra Group submitted the "highest and best offer" to take over the Seaquarium. The deal still requires approval from a bankruptcy court and county commissioners. Their vision includes replacing the existing park with a certified aquarium featuring immersive aquatic experiences, an education and conservation center, harbor facilities, seaside wellness spaces, seafood specialty shops and restaurants, green areas, and a public boardwalk. The iconic Buckminster Fuller dome will be preserved and repurposed as an event space.
In a statement, Terra confirmed that "as part of the transition, the Miami Seaquarium will temporarily cease operations at the end of 2025," during which time resident animals will be relocated to new homes. The company emphasized its commitment to protect employees by maintaining wages and benefits and ensuring safe care for all species during the transition process.
Local Authorities Lend Their Support
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner Raquel Regalado, representing Virginia Key, praised the agreement in a joint statement on X. They described it as "a significant step forward for Miami-Dade County," heralding "a new chapter in marine life education and the preservation of Biscayne Bay." The project is expected to create "a vibrant community destination" combining entertainment, family services, and environmental respect.
However, Regalado noted that the timeline is "aspirational," as the closure could be delayed to early 2026 due to regulatory permits and the supervised relocation of animals by the USDA. She also stressed that the new concept should "honor the history of the Miami Seaquarium" and rejected the idea of animal performances: "We don't want performing animals. We want healthy, resilient interactions based on animal welfare." Regalado highlighted that preserving the dome is a non-negotiable requirement and announced plans to negotiate with Terra for increased rent, which would fund the parks department in need of additional resources.
A Long History of Controversy
Since its opening in 1955 on Virginia Key, the Miami Seaquarium has been a prominent tourist and cultural landmark, even gaining international fame in the 1960s as the set of the TV series Flipper. However, over time, its image transformed, with nostalgia from many visitors overshadowed by growing social opposition to the exhibition of marine mammals in captivity.
The deaths of Lolita, the orca who lived over five decades in what animal advocates deemed an inadequate tank, in 2023, and of the dolphin Sundance in December of the same year, intensified public scrutiny.
Financial Struggles and Legal Battles
Simultaneously, the Seaquarium faced escalating financial and legal challenges. In March 2024, Miami-Dade's mayor announced the termination of the lease with The Dolphin Company, which had operated the park since 2022, citing "numerous and repeated violations" of contract and animal welfare standards. The county filed a lawsuit in June that year to evict the company from public land amidst accusations of facility deterioration and inadequate care for various species, including dolphins, penguins, and sea lions.
USDA inspections revealed issues ranging from high bacteria levels in pools and poor enclosure maintenance to sick animals lacking proper care, ants in the veterinary clinic, and stagnant algae-filled water in flamingo areas. A January 2024 report highlighted that a dolphin named Ripley was found with a nail in its throat, while another, Bimini, had a broken bolt in its mouth. Additionally, the case of Sushi, a California sea lion with vision problems who didn't receive necessary surgery in time, was documented.
In October 2024, a civil judge dismissed the county's immediate eviction attempt, instead ordering mediation and requiring the company to continue paying rent on time. The Dolphin Company defended its management, calling the lawsuit "unfounded and politically motivated" and claimed to have rectified most violations, accusing the county of obstructing construction permits for improvements.
Public pressure mounted. In February 2024, PETA organized protests demanding the contract's termination, reinforcing the perception that the Seaquarium couldn't sustain itself under the existing model.
A New Chapter for Virginia Key
Terra Group's selection over Integra Investments, its competitor in the bidding process, marks a turning point. If plans proceed, the Seaquarium will give way to a project blending conservation, education, and recreation, with Biscayne Bay as a focal point and without marine mammal performances. With nearly 70 years of history, about 1,000 animals, and 148 workers, the facility prepares for a closure that will end a contentious era and open another striving for balance between legacy, sustainability, and future.
FAQs on Miami Seaquarium's Transformation
What will happen to the animals currently at the Miami Seaquarium?
The animals residing at the Miami Seaquarium will be relocated to new homes as part of the transition to a new aquarium model.
When is the Miami Seaquarium expected to close?
The Miami Seaquarium is slated to temporarily cease operations at the end of 2025, although delays might push the closure to early 2026.
Who is leading the redevelopment of the Seaquarium?
Terra Group, a developer based in Coconut Grove, is spearheading the transformation of the Miami Seaquarium into a new aquarium concept.
What features will the new aquarium include?
The new aquarium will feature immersive aquatic experiences, an education and conservation center, seaside wellness spaces, seafood specialty shops, restaurants, and green areas.