Now is the time to end the cruel animal entertainment industry.
Now is the time to end the cruel animal entertainment industry.
Why this petition matters
On March 4, 2022, a final USDA report cleared the way for Miami-Dade County’s approval of the Seaquarium lease transfer from Palace Entertainment to The Dolphin Co. The Seaquarium holds the infamous smallest tank for a killer whale ("Lolita") in the U.S, where she has been kept in captivity for more than 50 years and exploited to entertain millions of tourists from around the world. But whales like Lolita are not the only victims of this and other entertainment aquariums. Dolphins and other marine animals are kept there to perform shows, all in the name of profit and behind the artificial veil of conservation and education. Many of them have died from self-inflicted injuries, physical and emotional illness, or stress, throughout the years.
Whether it is Palace Entertainment or the Dolphins Co., none of these multi-billion dollar tourist attractions that benefit from animal exploitation belong to the 21st century. They absolutely do not belong to a state such as Florida which is rich in sites and sanctuaries where wildlife, including marine animals, can be observed in their natural ecosystems.
As a humane educator, animal advocate, and south Florida resident I humbly ask you to sign this petition and let the Miami-Dade Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and The Dolphin Co., that you will not support businesses such as the Miami Seaquarium nor any other organization that continues to deceive the public into believing animals in captivity have a happy life in showbusiness.
In the meantime, do educate yourself and your children about the dark truth behind the marine animal entertainment industry as told by a former dolphin trainer in this short film by World Animal Protection: Former dolphin trainer reveals hidden cruelty behind the industry
Also, watch this short film by National Geographic which shows the way to admire, learn from, and respect wildlife and its members: Natural Springs Offer a Unique Encounter With Manatees | Short Film Showcase
Let us make sure a new generation of truly caring humans learns how to live in harmony with the rest of the living world!
On your next visit to Florida, please consider these alternatives, among many others:
Or you can also opt to visit the NOAA virtual dives at:
NOAA - An immersive 360 view of your national marine sanctuaries