As Miami-Dade County residents await the controversial decision regarding the location of the proposed Miami Wilds Plan, Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill is advocating for the rights of animals who cannot defend themselves. This past Saturday, the public face of the zoo hosted a rally in the parking lot of Zoo Miami. He and other speakers aimed to spread awareness about the dangers of developing the attraction on the planned location near the zoo on a rare stretch of pine rockland that is home to more than one endangered species. They hope to dissuade Miami-Dade County commissioners from approving the construction of the water park.

Although officially ordered to be silent by his employer, Magill has come forward as a private citizen to advocate for the many species that inhabit the pine rocklands, regardless of the impact it may have on his career. 

“If I am going to get fired for standing against the construction of a boondoggle, so be it,” stated Magill. “I’d rather have the anger of some than the respect of none.”

The plan for Miami Wilds was born decades ago on land by the zoo as a way to save it. (Receipts don’t match operating costs.) Back then Magill supported the idea. 

 “In 2006, I voted in favor of this plan and I would call for citizens to vote for it, but as more research came out, I opposed it,” Magill said. “Later, I realized the damage it may cause. We’re talking about endangered species and the last stretch of pine rocklands left in South Florida.”

Environmentalists’ concerns have also continued to rise as more of the plan’s details have been revealed. Without proper plans set in place for the current and future safety of the species of the pine rocklands, some are concerned there has not been sufficient research done. 

The project’s developer, Miami Wilds, first received clearance in 2020, but legal issues have complicated the timeline for building and necessitated a revision to the county lease. Moreover, developers – and county attorneys say the project presents little threat to the rare species, noting that much of the space is already a parking lot.

Commissioners are currently debating whether to extend the lease, considering ongoing legal proceedings. https://caplinnews.fiu.edu/letthemthrive-ron-magill-miami-wilds-zoo-miami/