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Miami Seaquarium Shuts Permanently After 70 Years

The closure follows years of animal-welfare violations plus a bankruptcy filing, with a lease sale now pending county review.

Overview

  • The park ceased operations on Oct. 12, ending a run that began with its 1955 opening and drew generations of visitors.
  • Miami-Dade County previously issued an eviction notice citing a long record of violations after federal inspections found multiple problems, including unsafe buildings.
  • The parent company has filed for bankruptcy and is seeking to sell the county lease for $22.5 million, with a key hearing scheduled for Oct. 17.
  • Developer Terra Group has proposed a marina, retail and restaurants, plus an accredited aquarium that would not house marine mammals, subject to county approval.
  • No formal relocation plan has been announced for the remaining animals, though the owner says safety is the priority and could move dolphins and sea lions to its other parks.