70 year-old Florida Landmark Closes Down

Many residents came in on Sunday, October 12th, hoping to get a final glimpse at the many animals that seem to trigger nostalgia within them. “It’s sad, like a last hurrah. I’m going to start crying.” says 76 year old,

While many visitors are catching their last visit to the aquatic landmark, activists for animal rights lay right outside the entrance. Many of them are celebrating the closure of the aquarium. 66 year old, Susan Hargreaves, who was raised in Palm County, says, “I have been protesting here since 1986, Today is another nail in the coffin in the animal prison industry.”

Recent protests for animal rights have been increasing, many targeting Seaquarium after the death of the orca Lolita, otherwise known as Tokitae and Toki for short. This lead to the aquarium having to close down. “Our whole societal outlook on sea life has changed,” Mark Chatlos said. In earlier years, animals in captivity was often overlooked. Now, a lot more awareness of the topic has spread.

Ms. Chatlos also recalls her son often coming to Seaquarium for schools trips. She also remembers taking her grandchildren to the landmark. Ms. Chatlos, her husband, and their son were the first ones to arrive on Seaquariums last day. Without seeing the wondrous animals “up close” Ms. Chatlos wonders if future generations would still have the urge to protect these marine animals.

Seaquarium is a huge park that spreads over 36 acres of land, with a beautiful view of the Miami skyline. Opening in 1955, Seaquarium quickly gained widespread attention. In 1960, the dolphin known as, “Flipper”, gained fame from acting in many shows and movies, causing the aquarium to quickly gain popularity.

However, in recent years, the aquariums sales have been decreasing. Protesters, including the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals complained about the living conditions and treatments of the many animals living there, While many people will miss the iconic aquarium, many people have negative intents towards it, which might have led to the landmark closing down.