Miami Seaquarium to close as developer plans marina, restaurants
The Miami Seaquarium's days are numbered after years of controversy, animal welfare concerns and a lengthy legal battle with Miami-Dade County.
Court documents reviewed by CBS News partner, the Miami Herald show a developer has agreed to buy the lease for $23 million, with plans to replace the iconic but embattled attraction with a waterfront destination featuring shops, restaurants, a marina and a new aquarium — one without marine mammals.
Animal advocates claim "empire of cruelty"
Animal advocates have protested conditions at the Seaquarium for years, particularly after the death of Lolita, the killer whale known as Toki, two years ago.
Dr. Jenna Wallace, a veterinarian who worked at the facility in 2021, said she is relieved by the closure but still seeking accountability.
"I do not regret whistleblowing and pushing the first domino over to take down this empire of cruelty," Wallace said.
Wallace described her time at the Seaquarium as "a nightmare," citing cases of neglect and mistreatment.
"Bimini was the most recent example," she said. "But she sustained fractured ribs, pericardial fusion and emaciation while I was there. And then with Toki, Miami's beloved Lolita, she was fed rotten fish. She was starved, and the staff and supervisors would lie to me."
County leaders cite animal welfare failures
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who led efforts to evict the Seaquarium, issued a joint statement highlighting their concerns.
"This began with an amendment to the lease, which allowed the County to inspect the facility and provided stricter requirements for animal welfare," the statement said. "When concerns were raised about The Dolphin Company's ability to ensure proper animal welfare, the County responded by initiating a year-long eviction process."
Calls for legal consequences
For Wallace, the closure is only part of the fight.
"I hope that they're still going to be repercussions for those people from 2021 and on that didn't step in and didn't do something for those animals," she said. "That is still my hope and that is still my mission in life right now."
Developer plans fisherman's village
The redevelopment plan will transform the Virginia Key site into a "fisherman's village" concept, featuring dining, retail and a modern aquarium attraction.
Unlike the Miami Seaquarium, the new facility will not house dolphins, whales or other marine mammals.
CBS News Miami reached out to MS Leisure, the Seaquarium's operator under parent company The Dolphin Company, as well as the facility's executive director, but has not received comment.
The Miami Seaquarium is expected to close later this year.