Miami Seaquarium Closes After 70 Years Amid Animal Welfare Controversy

October 13, 2025

After 70 years, the iconic Miami Seaquarium is closing its doors this Sunday, marking the end of an era for Florida tourism. The oceanarium, which opened on Virginia Key in 1955, was a staple of mid-century Florida vacations and a backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, including the 1960s classic Flipper and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective in 1994.

Built on 36 acres of prime Biscayne Bay waterfront, the Seaquarium drew up to 500,000 visitors a year at its peak. Guests flocked to dolphin encounters, orca shows, and massive billboards boasting “fabulous show windows of the deep — 8 shows daily.” It was Miami’s first major attraction beyond the beach, even predating Walt Disney World by more than 15 years, and served as a model for other marine parks.

But in recent decades, the Seaquarium faced mounting animal welfare controversies. Several of its most famous marine animals died in recent years, including Lolita the killer whale (Tokitae) in 2023, Juliet the manatee in 2024, and Bimini the dolphin this year. Animal rights group PETA, which has long campaigned against and sued the Seaquarium, will host a public champagne toast outside the park on Sunday to mark the closure.

Financial struggles also contributed to the shutdown. The Seaquarium’s current owner, Dolphin Co. of Cancún, filed for bankruptcy this year. A Miami developer has agreed to pay $22.5 million to take over the lease of the property, which is still owned by Miami-Dade County.

Despite its controversies, the Seaquarium’s legacy is undeniable. From mid-century tourism landmark to Hollywood favorite, it helped define Miami’s entertainment scene for decades. As author Ken Breslauer put it, it was a blueprint for other marine mammal parks and a symbol of a Florida that drew visitors from around the world.

The Seaquarium’s final curtain closes this Sunday, leaving behind memories of dolphin flips, orca shows, and the complex conversation about wildlife and entertainment.

Written by: Janetzy