As the Miami Seaquarium prepares to shut down its operations on Sunday, animal rights activists are planning a celebration and calling for the facility’s surviving animals to be moved to sanctuaries or released into the ocean.

Supporters of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, and allies from SoFlo Animal Rights said they will gather outside the marine park at noon Sunday to serve champagne and commemorate the closure of what PETA has labeled an "abusement park." The marine theme park first opened in 1955.

"After more than 50 years of imprisoning animals in crumbling concrete tanks and failing to meet even their most basic needs, we can now celebrate the Miami Seaquarium’s end,” said PETA President Tracy Reiman, in a statement.

PETA has sent a letter to The Dolphin Co

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