(Matthew Du, NewsUSA Reporter) - Miami-Dade County is ending the Miami Seaquarium’s lease due to incidents of unkempt grounds and poorly treated animals, which are against clauses in the lease. Over 120 dolphins and whales have died in the oceanarium, which is one of the oldest of its kind in the US. This includes the more recent passing of an orca named Lolita.
Animals like Lolita are trapped in cramped areas and are not routinely checked for health issues. Animal rights activists see this as a win for the captive animals, and hopes are high that they will eventually be released to find their way back into their natural homes.