The Miami Seaquarium, a historic landmark on Viginia Key, has officially closed its doors, marking the end of an era for Miami and its connection to marine life. For decades, the Seaquarium was a beloved destination where families came to learn about ocean animals, enjoy dolphin shows, and experience marine life up close. Now, with its closure, MAST Academy students are sharing their reflections — blending sadness for the memories, relief for the animals, and hope for what comes next.
Freshman Nicolas Bonilla said the closure left him feeling conflicted. “The closing of the Miami Seaquarium made me feel sad because we are not going to be able to see a lot of animals that we can’t see in the wild,” he said. At the same time, he admitted to feeling “indifferent about the closure” because “the animals might go back into being trapped again or being in closed spaces where they can’t roam free until later released.”
Still, he believes the animals will now receive better treatment, saying, “They’re going to get better care than at the Miami Seaquarium.” Nicolas also noted how meaningful the park was for Miami, calling it “a big part of getting people to know the marine life in Miami.”
Freshman Gia Spiritoso reflected on her childhood visits to the Seaquarium. “My family and I visited the Seaquarium a few times when I was younger,” she said. “I remember loving the dolphin shows and looking at the sea lions. It was super exciting. I think it was a big part of Miami’s history.”
While Gia doesn’t think the closure will greatly impact tourism, noting that “people still come for the beaches,” she hopes the property will continue to serve the community. “I hope the land is used for something that benefits the community and the environment, maybe a marine rescue center so it’s still connected to the ocean, just in a more positive way,” she added.
Sophomore Martin Varela expressed concern over how animals were treated at the Seaquarium. “I feel really bad about how the animals were treated,” he said. “They didn’t seem to have the right care or space they needed, and it’s sad they had to live in those conditions for so long. I think the animals deserve to be treated better, especially in places that are supposed to protect them.” Varela is glad that the marine animals are being relocated, “At least they’ll be in better places where they can get proper care and attention,” he added.
Varela also believes the closure reflects a shift in society’s values. “More people now understand that keeping marine animals in small tanks with poor care isn’t right,” he said. “Society is starting to care more about animal welfare and realizing these animals deserve better conditions.”
Freshman Belen Lopez-Marti Quevas said she’ll always associate the Seaquarium with family memories. “I always used to go with my family, and it’s just like a landmark in Miami,” she said.
Quevas also shared that she believes the younger generations will understand the importance of the closure. “Children growing up in Key Biscayne will see that protecting sea animals and their natural habitats is more important than entertainment,” she said.
When asked to describe the Seaquarium’s legacy in one word, she chose evolution. “It reflects how our views on marine life have grown, and now we’re more open-minded,” she added.
Quevas also hopes that part of the site will be preserved for educational purposes. “I’d like to see a marine education space built there, focused on awareness and protection of ocean ecosystems,” she added.
The closure of the Miami Seaquarium represents more than the end of a tourist attraction. It marks a turning point in how Miami views its relationship with the ocean and its wildlife. For students, it’s a reminder of the importance of empathy, education, and progress. Though the park’s gates have closed, its legacy continues through the lessons it leaves behind and the hope that future generations will build a more compassionate connection to the sea.