Who We Are, What We Do

As one of America’s first marine life zoo-aquariums, Miami Seaquarium has been on the forefront of animal care and conservation for more than six decades.

Caring for the hundreds of animals that call the Seaquarium home while also providing and educational and enjoyable experience for hundreds of thousands of visitors annually takes a concerted, coordinated effort from our staff. With our Team Members bringing expertise in fields such as animal care, life support, operations, guest service and more, we are proud of the work done here towards conservation of our world, its natural resources and the animals in our care.

About Miami Seaquarium

A landmark in the fields of animal rescue, rehabilitation and release not only in South Florida but throughout the United States, every visit to Miami Seaquarium will teach you something new about our animals and our world.

Before you plan a trip to experience marine wildlife like never before, let us take you into some of the inner workings of what makes us tick; what makes us who we are, and why we do what we do.

What Makes a Habitat?

Our habitats are designed to maximize the well-being of the animals, while simultaneously engaging our guests and inspiring them to a life of conservation. While these guest experiences can vary from simply viewing animals, to interactive touch pools, and even in-depth close encounters, some key elements are top of mind for our veterinary and life support staff.

  • Provide the best possible water quality.Our location allows us to use water from Biscayne Bay, which is the filtered to remove contaminants and create a desirable environment for the animals.

  • Create comfortable and safe environments. Our habitats have been designed so aquatic life can flourish in a setting that encourages visitors to learn and be inspired. Our highly trained animal care experts design habitats to provide a healthy supply of food and water, space, climate protection and shelter.

  • Optimize living conditions for each animal. Enrichment activities are a critical part of creating habitats where animals will thrive. And just like us, social interactions with peers are vital to their wellbeing. There is a science behind how the animals of Miami Seaquarium share a living space with each other, and how we carefully monitor these arrangements to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Front Touch Pool

turtle procedure with vets

Care Planning

Caring for a wide variety of marine mammals, fish, reptiles and birds is far more than a job for Miami Seaquarium team members; it is a calling and life passion. The responsibilities are constantly evolving as animals grow and mature, as research expands our understanding, and as our mission of conservation evolves over time. One thing that does not change is the importance of teamwork to our mission. From veterinarians and animal care specialists to curators and training staff, each member of the animal care team has a unique, important role to play.

One of the most important components of care is providing a nutritious and balanced diet. That is not a simple task – the marine mammals of Miami Seaquarium eat approximately 1,100 pounds of fish per day! Sourcing high-quality fish and other food from around the world is a complex and constant task that requires regular updating. Our care teams closely monitor our animals’ feed for quality, nutritional profile, and more while also assessing its impact through the frequent medical check-ups for each animal.