Bimini, a bottlenosed dolphin, has sadly passed away at Miami Seaquarium due to a 'chronic' condition that increased her risk of acute respiratory issues. Alarm was raised about the conditons she lived in before her death

A 22-year-old dolphin tragically has died a "miserable death" in a concrete tank at a controversial seaquarium - with animal rights charities alleging she was "denied proper care."

Bimini, a bottlenosed dolphin, sadly passed away on September 16 at Miami Seaquarium due to a "chronic" health condition that increased her risk of acute respiratory issues.

The Dolphin Company, which runs Miami Seaquarium, revealed Bimini had a "pronounced tracheal stenosis, explaining her respiratory difficulties."

"Lab results were inconclusive, and on Monday, September 15, first aid was administered", the company said. "Sadly, on Tuesday morning, Bimini passed away."

The tourist attraction said she "touched the hearts of guests and staff with her strength and resilience."

Bimini had multiple health issues during her time at the Miami Seaquarium. A US Department of Agriculture (USDA) report stated that Bimini previously suffered bilateral rib fractures caused by horrific attacks by other dolphins after being kept in a tiny and "filthy" concrete pool.

"Housing incompatible animals together can negatively impact their health and welfare and may cause serious injury and even death," the report said. "Marine mammals must not be housed in the same enclosure nor be housed near other animals that cause them unreasonable stress, discomfort or interfere with their good health."

She also had a broken bolt found in her mouth in 2024. The USDA report from last year also stated that the seaquarium failed to provide appropriate veterinary care to Bimini.

The Dolphin Company said that Bimini "suddenly and unexpectedly developed a lack of appetite" last week and the dolphin had showed "visible signs of discomfort and shortness of breath", according to animal rights organisation PETA.

PETA President Tracy Reiman exclusively told The Mirror: "Bimini was born at the Miami Seaquarium, where she was never able to dive deep or feel the ocean's currents.

"If she had been born free or moved to a seaside sanctuary, she could have experienced this and more. She would have been able to engage in natural behaviours and choose her own mate and friends, whereas in the Seaquarium's concrete tanks, she could not escape attacks from incompatible, stressed tankmates.

"She would have been able to engage in natural behaviours and choose her own mate and friends, whereas in the Seaquarium's concrete tanks, she could not escape attacks from incompatible, stressed tankmates.

"After a miserable life, she's now dead, and PETA is urgently calling for the surviving animals to be sent to reputable sanctuaries before it's too late."

Miami-Dade County has been attempting to terminate the Seaquarium's lease over outstanding rent since last November, but a judge rejected an immediate eviction.

An earlier report concluded that the care of the animals was "inadequate" and that there were ongoing issues with the park's maintenance.

The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA), also raised concerns such as a vet being unable to carry out essential diagnostics as the facility no longer had access to an ultrasound, radiography, or endoscopy. It was also noted that there was no access to a working anaesthesia machine for emergencies.

"Sushi", an adult female California sea lion was in so much pain from delayed cataract surgery that she completely refused to eat. At the time of inspection, the surgery had still not taken place. She later died in January 2024.

Last year, the USDA filed a "Notice of Intent to Confiscate Animals" to MS Leisure, a subsidiary of the Dolphin Company. The agency planned to seize Bimini, along with a blue and gold macaw and a sea lion, if the company failed to address the animals' suffering uncovered in the inspection.

Following the notice, Miami Seaquarium said that its staff was working with the USDA to address concerns regarding the four animals' care.

"As confirmed by the USDA, Miami Seaquarium is in compliance with federal Animal Welfare Act regulations," it said. "It's important to clarify that there was no confiscation, and MSQ's professional staff continues to care for its animals with the same passion, knowledge, and dedication they do every day."

Miami Seaquarium has been approached for further comment.

'Miserable' dolphin dies in 'filthy' concrete tank after 'multiple attacks' and theme park - The Mirror