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Miami Seaquarium Set to close, Fate of Animals Uncertain Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings
the Miami Seaquarium, a landmark marine park, is preparing to close its doors to the public this Sunday, leaving the future of its animal residents in question as the facility navigates federal bankruptcy court proceedings.
Miami-Dade county District 7 Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who also serves as the county’s liaison with the bankruptcy court, recently toured the Seaquarium, operated by The dolphin Company, to assess the situation. Regalado emphasized that the animals will continue to receive care even after the park ceases public operations.”The animals are always going to be under the care of the employees,” she stated. “The fact that there won’t be humans coming to see them doesn’t mean that there won’t be humans taking care of them. If the animals are still here, the employees who take care of these animals will also be here.”
A proposed redevelopment plan by miami developer Terra has emerged as a leading option during the bankruptcy proceedings. This plan includes a new aquarium concept, but notably excludes marine mammals. According to Regalado, “The main thing is what’s the difference between an aquarium and the Seaquarium, and it’s no marine mammals.” The future of the Seaquarium’s marine mammals – 16 dolphins and 24 seals and sea lions – is proving to be the most complex challenge.
The process of relocating the animals is intricate by several factors, including the age and health of some individuals. “The issue is the much, much older ones,” Regalado explained, citing a sea lion 20 years beyond its typical lifespan who is also blind and has other health concerns. Additionally, some animals were previously confiscated and brought to the Seaquarium, adding to the difficulty of finding suitable new homes. The limited availability and high cost of sanctuaries further complicate the matter.
The situation is compounded by a broader trend of marine animal facilities closing, creating increased competition for placement. “So in terms of the market, there’s a lot of animals looking for homes, wich is why I said I don’t know if it’s all going to get done by december because it’s a lot of animals,” Regalado noted.All animal transfers are subject to regulation by the USDA.
While the fate of the marine mammals remains uncertain, Regalado indicated that many of the other animals at the Seaquarium – including flamingos, penguins, birds, and lizards – could potentially remain in the area. Several of these animals could be incorporated into the new aquarium concept proposed by Terra. A temporary relocation to Zoo Miami has also been discussed, though space constraints at the zoo present a challenge. “
The county is awaiting a ruling from the federal bankruptcy court, expected during a hearing on October 17th, before it can begin negotiations with the developer. A previously scheduled bankruptcy court hearing on Wednesday was postponed to allow time for option bids to be submitted.
Regalado stressed that the county’s actions are contingent on the bankruptcy court’s decisions. “The county cannot take action until the bankruptcy court takes action.” Updates on animal transfers will be posted on the claims and noticing agent website for the bankruptcy cases, according to a representative of Young Conaway Stargatt & taylor, LLP, co-counsel to the debtor in possession.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and NOAA Fisheries were contacted for comment
