An inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) of the Miami Seaquarium revealed numerous flaws in the facility and possible animal abuse.
The report of that review, which was prepared at the end of September, showed that at least one dolphin had broken ribs, and researchers found cement in the digestive tract of another, he cited. Local 10.
“In recent years, the Miami Seaquarium has been cited for numerous violations of the minimum standards of the Federal Animal Welfare Act,” recalled Jared Goodman, general counsel of PETA Foundation Animal Lawwhen referring to the inspection, which was carried out in July.
“I can say with confidence that these three inspection reports combined are worse than what we’ve seen at any other marine facility, ever,” he added.
The Seaquarium, which is operated by The Dolphin Company through its subsidiary MS Leisure Company, Inc., does not recognize the authority of the veterinarian, as the records show that “the determinations of the veterinarian in charge of the animals were not followed, or his authority is not ignored.”
Goodman urged Miami-Dade County to take action and terminate the Seaquarium’s lease and close the facility.
Among the cases described was that of “Elelo”, a young white-sided dolphin who would later be immediately transferred to a facility in Chicago.
In his digestive tract, “a plastic zip tie, a piece of broken plastic and what was described as a large piece of cement” were found, the report details.
He said zip ties were used to secure the fence surrounding the sides of the pool, and divers observed that “the floor of the pool had a layer of cracked and peeling cement.”
On the other hand, a “CT scan” of a dolphin named “Bimini” revealed that the 23-year-old woman had several bilateral rib fractures in various stages of healing … probably due to the attack. ”
The report states that “incompatible animals together can have a negative impact on their health and well-being and can cause serious injury and even death.” Remember the case of the orca Lolita, who died before being released from multiple infections.
Likewise, the story of Romeo, a lone adult male manatee, was documented after the release of three juvenile manatees into the wild in the spring of 2023.
“Although several attempts have been made to obtain a manatee, it has been determined that the facility is not yet qualified to receive an animal.
“Manatees are semi-social animals and do better medically and psychologically when they are housed in pairs or groups,” he emphasized.
In March 2022, the Miami-Dade County Mayor’s Office celebrated the transfer of the lease to MS Leisure Company, inc. a subsidiary of The Dolphin Company; But since then the USDA has issued a series of warnings about alleged violations that threaten animal welfare.
Animal rights activists have protested many times in front of the Seaquarium to report signs of abuse against animals.
