MIAMI, FL (WFLA) – Miami-Dade County aims to terminate its lease with the Miami Seaquarium after a federal report showed “ongoing violations and poor quality of animal care,” according to reports.
NBC affiliate WTVJ reported that Miami Mayor Daniela Lavigne Cava and the president of park operator The Dolphin Company, Eduardo Albor, were frustrated by the Seaquarium's “multiple and repeated” instances of animal welfare violations.
WTVJ said the violations were brought to light during a routine inspection by the USDA last November.
“Miami-Dade County has also taken action by issuing numerous notices of default, as these violations constitute a violation of the terms and conditions set forth in our joint tenancy agreement. However, in light of these distressing circumstances, the County is reviewing all actions necessary to pursue termination of the agreement.” Revised and Restated Lease,” Levine Cava and Commissioner Raquel Regalado said in a statement. “We believe it is necessary to address these serious violations decisively and urgently.”
According to WTVJ, a USDA report issued on November 28 found that the Seaquarium's dolphin pools were in a “beyond repair” condition. Large numbers of bacteria were also found in the water where the marine mammals are kept and “several areas of black mold growth along with bubbling paint inside the penguin enclosure” during the inspection.
The report also claimed that the facility still lacks sufficient trained staff in the veterinary care department. Only one veterinarian was employed to care for 46 marine mammals, 50 birds and hundreds of fish, WTVJ reported.
The USDA reportedly pushed the county to give the Miami Seaquarium “less than two months to get things in order.”
WTVJ said the county also informed the facility of its “intent to seize four animals by the USDA,” something Miami's mayor says has not happened in three decades.
“I have been informed that this seizure is the first time in 30 years that the USDA has taken such action with marine mammals,” she said. According to WTVJ, the county said it will work with the USDA to prioritize the welfare of the animals at the Seaquarium.
The decision to end the Miami Seaquarium's lease comes months after two of its marine animals died from disease: the Sundance dolphin and beloved killer whale Lolita.
