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After more than seven decades as a staple of Miami’s tourism scene — and following years of controversy and decline — the Miami Seaquarium is officially closing its doors this weekend.
On October 6, the bankrupt theme park announced it would be selling the lease on its Virginia Key public waterfront property for $22.5 million to local developer David Martin and a subsidiary of his development firm, Terra. Martin said he plans to ship off the marine mammals who have long been the park’s main draw, while keeping the Seaquarium name and opening a new aquarium next to a marina, restaurants, and a public baywalk along Biscayne Bay.
In order to begin the “modernization process,” the park will close for good on October 12, the Seaquarium said in a statement.
In a press release, the animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) announced plans to celebrate with champagne outside the aquarium as it closes on Sunday.
“Champagne corks are popping at PETA, following the news that the Miami Seaquarium is finally having to shut its doors after more than 50 long years of imprisoning sick and suffering animals in crumbling concrete tanks, denying them veterinary care, and forcing them to perform tricks,” the group said.
Here’s what to know about the park’s closure.
When is the Seaquarium closing?
The park will officially close on Sunday, October 12.
Why is the Miami Seaquarium closing?
Last year, Miami-Dade County terminated the park’s lease and issued an eviction notice, citing a “long and troubling history” of animal welfare violations. The park has now reached an agreement to sell its lease to a local developer.
Who is the park’s current operator?
The Mexico-based Dolphin Company, which has owned the park since 2022, operates the park.
Who is buying the Seaquarium?
Local developer David Martin and Resilient Aquarium LLC, a subsidiary of his development company, Terra, have agreed to take over the Seaquarium’s lease.
What’s next for the property?
Martin said he plans to transform the park into a space “focused on marine life education and conservation.” However, he emphasized that the park will no longer house marine mammals.
“We are going to be preserving the golden dome, and we’re going to have a celebration for marine life with immersive experiences, but no marine mammals,” Martin said in an interview with NBC 6 South Florida. “But I think it’s going to be an amazing, friendly destination for this community.”
