SeaQuest under investigation, closes Fort Worth location over animal neglect allegations
A Texas aquarium shut its doors this week on the heels of animal neglect allegations, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the company's website.
SeaQuest Fort Worth, located in Ridgmar Mall, closed Monday Oct. 28, the national animal advocacy group posted in a news release.
"After seven years of harming animals and endangering visitors, SeaQuest’s Fort Worth location has finally closed, ending its legacy of misery and death," PETA wrote.
On Wednesday, the business did not have the Fort Worth location listed on its website.
Paste BN has reached out to SeaQuest.
What is SeaQuest? How many locations does it have?
According to its website, more than two million guests visit SeaQuest's locations across the United States each year.
"We bring the majestic wonders of our planet, ranging from rainforests and deserts to exotic marine life," the website reads. "Guests are encouraged to connect with animals and learn about their ecosystems through various hands-on activities which include hand-feeding sharks, stingrays, birds, and tropical animals."
As of Wednesday, the business' website marked it had five locations in the following cities:
- Folsom, California
- Las Vegas
- Layton, Utah
- Roseville, Minnesota
- Woodbridge, New Jersey
Why did SeaQuest Fort Worth close?
The closure came after three whistleblowers reported claims of overcrowding, incorrect water temperatures, and other neglect and abuse at the Fort Worth location.
In late August, PETA sent a letter to Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells calling for an investigation into allegations of animal neglect at the now-shuttered aquarium.
"Shortly after we received that letter, we referred the case to the Fort Worth (Police Department)," Tarrant County District Attorney's Office spokesperson Anna Tinsley Williams told Paste BN Wednesday.
Fort Worth police spokesperson and Officer Tracy Carter confirmed to Paste BN the letter was forwarded to the department and a report was initiated."It was determined that FWPD is not the appropriate agency to investigate this matter due to the nature of the facility and the types of animals involved," Carter wrote in an email, adding aquariums and zoos fall under the inspection and regulation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and any violations are addressed at the federal level.The information was then deferred to federal authorities with the proper jurisdiction and expertise, Carter said.
Paste BN has reached out to the USDA.
What allegedly happened to animals at SeaQuest Fort Worth?
Whistleblowers reported the deaths of two nurse sharks, named Icarus and Achilles, who PETA reported likely starved to death "as a result of extreme stress from being confined to a small, cramped tank" with 10 other animals.
In addition, the group claimed dozens of marine animals reportedlydied in plastic bags, likely suffocating to death during transport to the aquarium from its now-closed SeaQuest Littleton location in Colorado.
“The fish were shipped in black trash bags or other coolers," PETA said one whistleblower said. "There was no effort made to ensure the fish were shipped within the right parameters for the species. No heat packs were provided."
The whistleblower also alleged water temperatures were as high as 62 degrees and as low as 54 degrees in bags for tropical warm water species.
Other allegations PETA reported include:
- Koibeing left in a tank with toxic levels of ammonia for at least four hours.
- Several gourami placed in a tank too cold for their natural temperature requirements. The fish reportedly developed a fungus, and several died.
- A blacktip reef shark developing a curved spine, "likely as a result of being kept in an inadequate tank. The condition got significantly worse over the past several months, to the point where she reportedly struggles to swim."
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.