Seaquarium or Sea Prison?

I run a meetup.com group for Miami moms, so every month I create a calendar of events for moms and their little ones to attend together with other moms/kids. I recently mentioned to my friend Kathy that I would be visiting the Miami Seaquarium with my mom's group, and she practically spit out her soup. "Allison! That is the worst aquarium in the entire country! I can't believe you would go there!" Needless to say, Kathy is a huge animal rights supporter, has volunteered with marine programs, and is a huge advocate for sea animal rights, I guess you could say. She regularly whips out the "Sustainable Fish" wallet card and tells me whether or not I am "allowed" to order the sandwich or entree I am eyeing. She lectures me about "Swim with the Dolphin" programs, and she lets me know which animals at the zoo are happy, and which need more "enrichment."

She told me that the Seaquarium had an orca named Lolita that they treated really poorly, and that there were several websites and groups to "Free Lolita." I told her I'd look into it, and that I would cancel the event if what she was saying was true. Well everyone, I am about to cancel the event.

Let me just say that I have been to the Seaquarium twice since I've been in Miami, and was underwhelmed. The Seaquarium is quite pricey, and you also pay for parking. The park is old and poorly kept up. The enclosures for most of the animals are small and old, with the exception of the dolphin enclosure. Is it a coincidence that the dolphin enclosure provides added revenue through their Swim with the Dolphins program, and that is the only decent part of the park? So, I haven't been back in quite a while, but I saw their special deal (visit in February and get a free pass for the rest of the year) and figured it was worth another try. But after looking into what Kathy claimed I have decided to cancel the event. Not only have I decided not to go to the Seaquarium again, I've also decided that I won't even post the event encouraging others to go.

I read several articles about the Seaquarium and cruelty (do a search for "miami seaquarium animal cruelty) and several articles and websites will pop up.) While miamiseaprison is definitely the most frequent result on google, I also read articles from reputable news organizations, like this one and this one.

To sign a petition, click here.