Florida Theme Park Bankruptcy: Animal Welfare Scandals and What’s Next

Miami Seaquarium has seen better days. Once a staple of South Florida tourism, the decades-old marine park has spent the past few years making headlines for all the wrong reasons—animal welfare violations, missed payments, and legal disputes. Now, after months of mounting pressure, its parent company has filed for bankruptcy.

A Complicated Legacy for Florida Theme Park

Opened in 1955 on Virginia Key, Miami Seaquarium was once a beloved destination, famous for dolphin shows and its starring role in the Flipper TV series. Its reputation shifted over time as criticism of captive marine mammal entertainment grew, especially around Lolita, an orca kept in what many described as an inappropriately small tank. Despite alleged plans for her release, Lolita remained at the park until her death in 2023—just months before a planned move to a seaside sanctuary.

Credit: Leonardo Dasilva, Flickr

In 2024, the park appeared to lose its American Humane Association certification, raising concerns about its conditions. “American Humane is generally a rubber stamp from the industry, with incredibly low standards, so the conditions at Miami Seaquarium must be abysmal to lose that certification,” said Chris Carraway, staff attorney at the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project (via Key Biscayne Independent). Miami-Dade County officials soon got involved, requesting documentation to ensure compliance with the park’s lease.

That same year, the county terminated the Seaquarium’s lease, citing federal reports that included moldy enclosures, harmful bacteria in the pools, and a dolphin found with a two-inch nail in its mouth.

Credit: Kenneth Cole Schneider, Flickr

Bankruptcy and More Scrutiny

Now, The Dolphin Company—owner of the Seaquarium and 29 other marine parks—has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

“This restructuring will best enable the company to restructure under Chapter 11, a well-recognized court-approved process, while improving the welfare of our animals, ensuring a seamless experience for employees, and delivering an enhanced guest experience,” said Steven Strom, independent director from Odinbrook Global Advisors.

Robert Wagstaff, chief restructuring officer, added: “We’re focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for the company, including striving to provide best-in-class habitats and living conditions for its animals. To that end, we plan to enlist the help of marine biology and veterinary experts while also fully cooperating with the appropriate regulatory bodies.”

Credit: Isabelle Puaut, Flickr

The bankruptcy comes as another Dolphin Company park—Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach—faces backlash following four dolphin deaths and a federal raid.

For now, the Miami Seaquarium remains open, continuing operations during bankruptcy proceedings. Its long-term future, however, remains uncertain.

What do you think of the latest development for Miami Seaquarium?