MIAMI.- The Miami Seaquarium continues to operate and announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Miami-Dade County, alleging breach of contract and unfair regulatory practices, for which it is seeking compensation for economic damages.
This Friday, April 18, two days before the deadline established by the county for the eviction, MS Leisure, the subsidiary of Miami Seaquarium, filed a federal lawsuit with the aim of stopping the termination of the contract and requesting compensation of 35 million of dollars.
The lawsuit alleges that “Miami-Dade imposed regulations that unfairly target Miami Seaquarium’s operations, hindering our ability to fulfill the community’s mission of conservation and education.”
Last March, County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava informed The Dolphin Company that it must vacate and surrender the property by April 21 due to a “long and disturbing history of violations.”
According to the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court, the removal from the facility constitutes a violation of the Endangered Species Act and the Endangered Species Act because it was not accompanied by any legal action plan for the animals. .
The document warns that Miami Seaquarium is currently home to 12 animals classified as endangered, including nine African penguins, two scarlet macaws and a military macaw, as well as others classified as “threatened.”
“To date, no entity has obtained a permit to take or possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport or ship any of the threatened or endangered species,” the lawsuit states.
The document states that if MS Leisure cannot access the Seaquarium facilities, as county authorities intend, “the animals will suffer and likely perish.”
Another allegation in the lawsuit is that, following the termination notice on March 7, the county has conducted 10 operational inspections. However, before December 12, 2023, inspectors only came once a month.
Despite the eviction request, while the lawsuit continues, this Sunday, April 21, the Miami Seaquarium opened its doors to the public as a normal day.
“Filing this lawsuit against Miami-Dade County is a step we take with a heavy heart but a clear mind, driven by our duty to protect our legacy and ensure our ability to continue making positive impacts on marine conservation,” he posted Miami Seaquarium, this Friday, in a document on the public network X.
(email protected)
@menendezpryce
Miami Seaquarium cAAXwb9.jpg
X
Miami Seaquearium -zWgAAS3Sv.jpg
X
