In this episode, we sit down with Edwin Gonzalez, the executive director of the Dolphin Company, which operates the Miami Seaquarium. With his extensive background in marine park management, Edwin provides an insider's perspective on the challenges and controversies surrounding the Seaquarium, including addressing rumors about eviction and profitability.
The conversation delves into several crucial topics, including the controversial history of the Seaquarium, the sad passing of Lolita the orca, and their efforts to rehabilitate injured animals. Edwin discusses the park's recent perfect score from the USDA, plans for future improvements, and their approach to animal care.
He also addresses criticisms from activists, shares insights on celebrity visits, and reveals fascinating details about the daily operations of the park, including animal diets and visitor experiences. This episode offers a balanced and informative look at the complex world of marine animal parks and conservation efforts.
Enjoy!
Miami Seaquarium:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamiseaquarium_/
Eduardo Moya:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_moya/
Manny Alfonso:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyalfonso8/
Follow Us! - A Day in Miami:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adayinmiami/
Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/20WEys6jxiliBCLoo9iSID
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Produced by: Ben Schwede
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benthecreatorrr/
0:00 Intro
0:49 Edwin’s Background
1:31 Are They Evicted?
3:30 Is It a Profitable Business?
4:58 Why Seaquarium Became Controversial?
7:58 Lolita Situation
11:38 The Day of Lolita’s Passing
12:45 Comparison of Seaquarium vs Seaworld
14:38 Taking In Hurt Animals
15:33 What Went Wrong with Seaquarium?
18:31 Celebrities Visiting Seaquarium
21:46 Perfect Score from USDA
23:42 2-inch Nail in Dolphin’s Mouth
25:38 How Many Animals Are In Seaquarium?
25:55 Future of Miami Seaquarium
27:13 Message to Activists
29:51 How Much Food They Use Daily?
30:10 Special Diets for Animals
33:09 Waterpark Next to Zoo Miami
34:30 Manny Will Swim with the Dolphins
36:19 Process of Swimming with Dolphins
37:38 Improving the Buildings
39:27 How Many People Visit Seaquarium Monthly?
39:58 Problem with Activists
43:48 Are Activists Paid by Special Interest Groups?
44:53 Netflix Series?
46:40 Outro
