A Texas aquarium has closed down recently in response to allegations of animal neglect, as reported by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and indicated on the company’s website.
SeaQuest Fort Worth, situated in Ridgmar Mall, ceased operations on October 28, following a statement from the national animal rights organization.
PETA remarked, “After seven years of mistreating animals and putting visitors at risk, SeaQuest’s Fort Worth location has finally shut down, concluding its record of suffering and fatalities.”
As of Wednesday, the company’s website no longer mentioned the Fort Worth location.
YSL News has made inquiries to SeaQuest for further details.
What is SeaQuest? How many locations does it have?
SeaQuest claims over two million visitors frequent its locations throughout the United States annually, according to its website.
The website states, “We showcase the incredible marvels of our planet, from rainforests and deserts to unique marine creatures. We invite guests to engage with animals and explore their ecosystems through interactive experiences, such as hand-feeding sharks, stingrays, birds, and other tropical wildlife.”
As of Wednesday, SeaQuest’s website indicated the presence of five locations in the following cities:
- Folsom, California
- Las Vegas
- Layton, Utah
- Roseville, Minnesota
- Woodbridge, New Jersey
What led to the closure of SeaQuest Fort Worth?
The shutdown followed reports from three whistleblowers alleging issues such as overcrowding, improper water temperatures, and other forms of neglect and abuse at the Fort Worth site.
In late August, PETA reached out to Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells, urging an investigation into these animal neglect allegations at the now-closed aquarium.
“Following the receipt of that letter, we directed the case to the Fort Worth Police Department,” stated Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Anna Tinsley Williams in her comments to YSL News on Wednesday.
Fort Worth police spokesperson Officer Tracy Carter confirmed that the letter was passed to their department and a report was initiated. “It was concluded that FWPD is not the right agency for this case based on the nature of the facility and the types of animals involved,” Carter explained in an email. He added that aquariums and zoos are monitored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and any breaches must be handled at the federal level. Consequently, the matter was referred to federal authorities who possess the requisite jurisdiction and expertise, Carter noted.
YSL News has contacted the USDA for further information.
What alleged incidents occurred with animals at SeaQuest Fort Worth?
Whistleblowers reported the deaths of two nurse sharks, identified as Icarus and Achilles, suggesting they likely starved due to the overwhelming stress of being packed together in a small tank with 10 other creatures.
Furthermore, PETA claimed that numerous marine animals died in plastic bags, likely suffocated during their transport from the now-closed SeaQuest Littleton location in Colorado.
According to a whistleblower, “The fish were transported in black garbage bags or other coolers, with no attempts made to ensure their shipment adhered to suitable conditions for their species. There were no heat packs included during transportation.”
The whistleblower also claimed that water temperatures fell as low as 54 degrees and rose as high as 62 degrees in bags meant for tropical warm-water species.
PETA reported other claims such as:
- Koi being left in a tank with dangerous levels of ammonia for at least four hours.
- Several gourami fish placed in a tank that was too cold for them, leading to fungal infections and deaths among several fish.
- A blacktip reef shark developing a curved spine, which likely resulted from being kept in an improper tank. This condition has deteriorated greatly in the past few months, making it difficult for her to swim.”
