UPDATE: The Dolphin Company has clarified its recent financial filing. They stated that Controladora Dolphin SA de CV, a company within The Dolphin Company group, has filed to restructure its financial liabilities. This filing is being overseen by a Mexican court specializing in financial debt restructuring.
Contrary to some initial reports, The Dolphin Company emphasizes that this is not a bankruptcy filing. Instead, they describe it as “a mechanism provided by Mexican laws to facilitate an agreement with the main creditors, protecting the interests of other suppliers.” They further stated, “our goal is to reaffirm the foundations of this great company and prepare it for what will be its best years. Because the best is yet to come.”
The original story, which was written before this update, continues below.
The fate of Miami Seaquarium, Florida’s most embattled theme park, is growing increasingly uncertain following a filing by Dolphin Discovery Group, a subsidiary of its operator, The Dolphin Company.
The development comes amid ongoing legal battles, reports of financial struggles, and heightened scrutiny over the park’s animal welfare practices.
For years, Miami Seaquarium has been a focal point of controversy, but the past year has seen its challenges escalate dramatically. In early 2024, Miami-Dade County issued a lease termination notice to The Dolphin Company, citing a “long and troubling history of violations” related to animal care. The move followed multiple U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that detailed inadequate veterinary care and deteriorating facility conditions.
The county ordered The Dolphin Company to vacate the property by April 21, 2024, well ahead of its original lease expiration in 2044. Instead of complying, the company filed a federal lawsuit, accusing Miami-Dade of unfairly targeting the park and imposing restrictive zoning laws that hindered expansion. In response, the county escalated matters by initiating formal eviction proceedings in June 2024.
By October, a judge denied the county’s request for immediate eviction, directing both sides to enter mediation. However, as of February 2025, the dispute remains unresolved, with tensions between The Dolphin Company and Miami-Dade officials continuing to mount.
Meanwhile, conditions at the Seaquarium have only fueled further concerns.
In December, whistleblowers alleged that the park was struggling to pay staff, had gone over a month without proper food for its animals, and was down to just one veterinarian—who was reportedly unlicensed to practice in the United States. That same month, county officials attempted an unannounced inspection but were denied entry.
Hours later, federal inspectors arrived at the facility, joined by Miami-Dade Water and Sewer officials, who warned that water service would be suspended within a week if outstanding payments were not made.
Two months later, reports have surfaced that Dolphin Discovery Group, one of The Dolphin Company’s key brands, has allegedly made a filing related to its finances. The group – which operates dolphin swim experiences at Miami Seaquarium and multiple locations across Florida, Mexico, and beyond – reportedly has liabilities exceeding $200 million, according to Reportur.
The impact of this filing on Miami Seaquarium remains unclear. As of now, the park continues to operate, with business hours posted on its website through March 31, 2025. However, financial instability and legal challenges raise questions about whether it can remain viable in the long term.
The Seaquarium’s troubles have drawn renewed attention to its controversial history, particularly regarding the treatment of marine animals. The facility faced international backlash in 2023 when Tokitae the orca—known to the public as Lolita—died shortly after plans were announced to relocate her to a sea pen in the Salish Sea. Reports later surfaced that her water had not been treated with chlorine disinfection for a month before her passing.
Despite its financial and legal woes, The Dolphin Company has remained tight-lipped about its future. The company did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.
Do you think theme parks should be allowed to keep marine mammals in captivity?
I went to protest with Alejandro several years ago. No one listened for years and sadly, Lolita passed before being released from her prison. I’m shocked this place is still operating. I’m shocked Miami has failed all these mistreated and neglected animals and mammals after repeated stories of neglect, death, and suffering!