The Miami Seaquarium is a 38-acre (15 ha) oceanarium located on the island of Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida, United States, and is located near downtown Miami. Founded in 1955, it is one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States. In addition to marine mammals, the Miami Seaquarium houses fish, sharks, sea turtles, birds, reptiles, and manatees. The park offers daily presentations and hosts overnight camps, events for boy scouts, and group programs. Over 500,000 people visit the facility annually. The park has around 225 employees, and its lease payments and taxes make it the third-largest contributor to Miami-Dade County’s revenue.
The park was founded by Fred D. Coppock and Captain W.B. Gray and was the second marine-life attraction in Florida. When it opened in 1955, it was the largest marine-life attraction globally. The park’s first orca was Hugo, named after Hugo Vielen. Hugo was captured in February 1968 in Vaughn Bay. Shortly after his capture, Hugo was flown to the Miami Seaquarium, held in a small pool for two years. Over the course of 10 years, judging by his behavior, it was clear that Hugo didn’t adjust to his life in captivity. Hugo would regularly bang his head against the walls of the tank. On March 4, 1980, Hugo died of a brain aneurysm.
Lolita the Killer Whale
One of the Miami Seaquarium’s attractions is Lolita, the world’s oldest captive orca. She is currently the park’s only orca. Lolita arrived at the Miami Seaquarium in 1970, where she joined the park’s first orca, Hugo. Hugo died in 1980 after injuring himself along the tank’s walls where Lolita still swims. Animal rights activists have long argued that the tank doesn’t meet federal minimum requirements under the Animal Welfare Act. The USDA has recently made statements in support of the activists’ argument. A1 Bed Bug Exterminator Miami
Things to Do
Meet A Dolphin
Get up close with a dolphin in this unique opportunity from out of the water…a perfect for families. Learn about their resident animals and the importance of our education and conservation mission. Each session is unique and runs approximately 10 minutes.
Caribbean Flamingos
With our renovated entrance, you will now encounter over 30 beautiful flamingos as soon as you enter the park. Our birds are surrounded by tropical landscapes, allowing them to roam freely and enjoy the weather. Meet these lovely birds and take panoramic photos!
Penguin Encounter
Learn about their African penguins at Penguin Isle and immerse yourself in their environment with their all-new penguin encounter! Enjoy a unique interaction with one of the world’s most beloved birds in an intimate setting. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and interact with a penguin one-on-one.
Address: 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL
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