Deaths, fines, and legal drama | End of Florida theme parks with captive animals may be nigh

In a state known for its theme parks, a very different kind of attraction is now making headlines—and not for the right reasons.

The glitz of roller coasters and character parades has long overshadowed the quieter controversy brewing at a series of marine parks scattered across Florida. But after months of internal conflict, animal deaths, and mounting legal pressure, one company is now facing its toughest time yet.

A Long History of Trouble Comes to a Boil

The Dolphin Company, which operates marine attractions around the world, has spent years trying to maintain control over its troubled Florida properties. At the center of the storm is Miami Seaquarium, a park plagued by animal welfare violations and declining public trust.

In early 2024, the Seaquarium lost its American Humane Association certification and fell behind on nearly $88,000 in rent owed to Miami-Dade County. That March, officials terminated the lease agreement, sparking a legal dispute when the park refused to close its doors. The decision came after a series of damning federal inspections..

Those reports included serious findings: a dolphin with a two-inch nail in its throat, deteriorating enclosures, and water samples that tested positive for hazardous bacteria. Staffing was also minimal, with just one veterinarian reportedly responsible for dozens of animals, including sharks, manatees, and sea turtles.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, things were unraveling further.

$10,000-a-Day Sanctions and a Fractured Empire

This year, The Dolphin Company filed for bankruptcy protection. But the filing didn’t halt the turmoil. Former CEO Eduardo Albor—once the face of the organization—was accused of barring debtors and court officials from entering the company’s Cancun offices. Reports say he returned with individuals impersonating armed state police.

Now, a U.S. bankruptcy judge has imposed a $10,000 daily sanction on Albor, retroactive to June 19. The fine was issued after he allegedly refused to comply with a court order barring interference in a company entity called Controladora Dolphin.

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