New investigation, comes after an inspection in June detailed serious violations.
Among them: cutbacks on the amount of food and poor water flow, which led to a sharp increase in bacteria and algae in several tanks. And animals continue to die after a string of deaths last year triggered concern from federal agencies: Catalina, a Pacific white-sided dolphin that lived in the same tank and performed shows with Lolita, died earlier this month from what staff believes may have been trauma after aggression by the 56-year-old orca. Coral, a harbor seal, died after “chronic infection.” And a manatee that was in rehabilitation died of emaciation, or being too weak and thin.
The federal probe is delaying the transfer of the lease to The Dolphin Company, a move that Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and county leaders believe is a solution for the troubled marine park and a chance for significant improvements in animal care and oversight.
In an inspection report published in Sept, the USDA said the park’s current management, under the leadership of general manager Bill Lentz and curator Chris Plante, ignored advice from its own attending veterinarian, which led to “events of particular concern.” Highlights included having Lolita perform head-in jumps with an injured jaw, against the veterinarian’s advice.
“Handling of animals” in Lolita’s pool is among some problems cited by the USDA that haven’t been addressed. Once the probe is complete, USDA issues a report. Enforcement actions may include warnings, voluntary settlement agreement or a referral to the U.S. Department of Justice for civil or criminal action.
“Please remember that Catalina was an innocent life used for profit and entertainment, confined in that miserable tank; it pains us to read that the Pacific white-sided dolphins attacked Toki as if it was their fault. Pacific white-sided dolphins are highly social, inquisitive little souls; and should never have been put there in the first place. MSQ mixes incompatible animals, then has the audacity to call them "family." She deserves to be remembered and needs us all to continue to fight in her name. We are so sorry sweet Catalina.”
Jo PhillipsUntil Lolita is Home
The USDA investigation coincided with the death of Catalina, a Pacific white-sided dolphin that had been in the same tank as Lolita. Staff suspect the death was caused by trauma, possibly by Lolita ramming the dolphin in an episode of aggressive behavior that had been witnessed before. Catalina belonged to SeaWorld and had been on loan since 2018. NOAA said it received notice that Catalina was transported from MSQ to SeaWorld Orlando on Dec. 3. A necropsy was performed but a cause of death hasn’t been determined. Read more.
Toki was agitated after her food ration was cut.
“The place (MSQ) needs an emergency rescue team to move in and take control of the care of all the animals there, most especially for Toki. The Miami Herald just broke the story yesterday, so maybe by now the USDA or Miami-Dade County, or the County's designated temporary supervisor, Miami Zoo Director William Elgar, will see the need and step in to avoid catastrophe. Especially if the need is made clear to him.”
Howard GarrettOrca Network
“We are very worried about our relation’s immediate health and well-being. We have written to the Miami-Dade County Commission, which now has the power to terminate the lease of land to the Seaquarium if the welfare of the animals kept there is jeopardized. We have requested that the Commission ensure that the USDA investigation is rigorous, transparent, and involves the veterinarians who know Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut best. We have reiterated our call for an immediate comprehensive medical and behavioral assessment of Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, so that her critical needs can be met right now. But of course, Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s needs can never truly be met in a concrete tank.”
Tah-Mahs Ellie KinleyPresident, Sacred Sea
David Neiwert Dec. 25, 2021
Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, the last surviving captive Southern Resident orca, has a shot at returning home
Cher’s tweet to the USDA
