A 20-year-old sea lion, named Bud was recently euthanized at the embattled Florida SeaQuarium at the end of March after the United States government issued a notice of confiscation.
According to the animal advocacy group, OurHonor.org, the Miami Seaquarium has received repeated criticisms for the conditions in which the animals have been kept. Of note, in August 2023, the second oldest orca Lolita (Tokitae) had spent 20 years living alone in a small tank. The 52-year-old orca died due to multiple chronic illnesses according to a report released by the Seaquarium.
A year before Lolita’s death, she had been retired and plans had been made to secure a safe relocation to a sea pen.
At least 120 whales and dolphins have died there, and public opinion has turned against the park, In November, a 30-year-old dolphin named Sundance died after a USDA inspection noting the animal had been suffering from gastric stress.
Since the deaths of so many animals, the United States Department of Agriculture has called out heartbreaking details of the condition of the animals. A dolphin was discovered with a two inch nail in its throat, and a sea lion with a severe eye injury was not administered the surgery he desperately needed. In January, the USDA called for the confiscation of four animals – one of which was Bud, the sea lion, however he was euthanized by the park last month without notification to authorities. Bud was euthanized on March 28; one day after the government inspection.
In a public statement, Miami Dade County stated it had performed an on site inspection on March 27 and were concerned about Bud’s “lethargic condition.”
it’s heartbreaking to learn the death of another animal at the Seaquarium.
OurHonor.org
Bud was later determined to have suffered from kidney disease. A veterinarian from the park had previously ordered testing for Bud, but there had been a delay in diagnostics.
Miami Seaquarium’s sea lion has died. Bud was around 20 years old and, according to court documents, may have been suffering from kidney disease. Miami Seaquarium’s former veterinarian had ordered a CT scan. The delay in diagnostics may have been the reason Bud was one of the four animals the United States Department of Agriculture intended to confiscate …
Animal advocates are devastated by Bud’s passing. This was a case where the U.S. Department of Agriculture could have stepped in to confiscate Bud and get him the care he needed, but they failed to act. This facility did not have the veterinary staff or equipment needed to handle such a complicated case.
Our hearts go out to the caretakers who loved him and who are suffering moral injury and psychological distress from being put in such an impossible situation. We do not blame you, but please reach out to us and let us help you.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava can still take action to seize the other animals before someone else dies. We are standing by and able to assist as needed.
The Miami Seaquarium has received an eviction notice from Miami Dade County citing the repeated violations of its lease by failing to provide acceptable care for the animals there. The park has since responded stating it has been taking “corrective actions” to ensure it adheres to the terms of the lease.
Rest in peace Bud.
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