RSPCA
Captive Animals Protection Society
"On almost every front public aquaria seem to fail. Many animals suffer in public aquaria, both physically and mentally, and no conservation, education or research work can compensate for this. However, in UK public aquaria, there seem to be minimal conservation activities, the education value is very poor and scientific research is almost non existent, so even the aquaria's own claims that it could possibly justify the animals "sacrifice" are totally unfounded. Furthermore, in the context of the new UK zoo legislation, it appears that many of UK public aquaria no longer meet the new zoo licensing criteria that would allow them to stay open to the public" Jordi Casamitjana, author Aquatic Zoos: A critical study of UK public aquaria in the year 2004. Full report or shorter version: Suffering Deep Down at www.captiveanimals.org
____________________________________________________________________________
Round Two - Get Lulu Out!
Since campaigning against the SeaLife Centre, a particular individual has been brought to our attention. Lulu is a Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) who was has been in captivity for over 60 years and came to the SeaLife Centre from the notorious Blackpool Tower Zoo. Her companion Jersey is a Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) that was found washed up on a beach in Jersey. (It could be argued that Jersey would be dead now if it wasn't for being found, but if these institutions cared about her she would have been released once she had recovered. Instead she has been used as a money making attraction and a publicity tool).
After over 60 years in captivity Lulu is exhibiting abnormal pacing (possibly stereotypic behaviour - a sign she may be mentally ill). We know Lulu will never be released back into the wild, but we can let her retire in a better environment than an underground, artificially lit tank. We are working on finding a new home where she and Jersey can go. Their new home will provide them with a stimulating and natural environment. But we need the SeaLife Centre to fulfil their commitment to conservation and set Lulu and Jersey free!
MORE ABOUT THE SEALIFE CENTRE CAMPAIGN
SEALIFE CENTRE LICENCE UP FOR REVIEW
The SeaLife Centre's licence is to be renewed soon and there has been a call for it to be discussed publicly before a decision is made. We are calling for any Brighton and Hove resident, or visitors to the SeaLife Centre to add their voice to this by emailing Tim Nichols tim.nichols@brighton-hove.gov.uk with their concerns regarding the SeaLife Centre i.e.
 | Lulu - she has been captive since she was caught from the wild over 60 years ago and is showing signs of stereotypic pacing behaviour. Plus only last week a pensioner was allowed to swim with her!!! We are concerned that this may pose a significant health risk as turtles like many reptiles carry the salmonella virus. |
| We have received numerous complaints from the public regarding the small size and the condition of many of the tanks in particular we had a complaint from a fisherman who complained to the staff about the size of the catfish tank. The response he got from the SeaLife Centre staff was that “people are always complaining about the size of that tank” |
| Rays with the ends of their tails missing – is this a sign of stress and overcrowding and if so why are they breeding them? |
| Abnormal surface breaking behaviour of Rays is encouraged by allowing the public to feed them from the surface of the tank they even advertise this it their promotional material!!! |
| Lack of hygiene regulations – children are encouraged to touch animals but there is nothing other than a sign to say you should wash your hands |
| The Seahorse that was not returned to the wild after it was caught when ill but has since recovered |
| Crabs with limbs missing |
| Leaks in the building |
| Security staff assaulting peaceful demonstrators |
| Cayman island turtles imported from the notorious Cayman Islands Turtle Farm |
It is a good idea to mention these things but you are most likely to get a positive response if you keep your letter short, free from provocative language, stick to the facts and be polite. Otherwise they will simply assume this is part of a concerted campaign against the SeaLife Centre and throw them in the bin! For more info on this click here
BAA ASSAULTED OUTSIDE THE SEALIFE CENTRE
On Sunday 20th January 2 members of BAA were assaulted by a SeaLife Centre Security guard whilst holding a regular peaceful demonstration outside the Centre. In some respects this shows that we are being effective and that our demonstrations are getting to them. We now need to get people down there to show that we will not give in and any attempt to deter us will only make us more determined. If this is the way these people behave towards fellow humans what on earth are they doing to the animals? We will get Lulu out of there.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
MORE ABOUT THE SEALIFE CENTRE CAMPAIGN
Victory!!
On May 17th 2006 the Sealife Centre was granted planning permission to build two outdoor tanks for seals and short claw otters at its entrance. Brighton Animal Action campaigned against this development before and after the proposal was granted planning permission. Our campaign not only received huge public support but was also supported by the RSPCA, British Marine Rescue Divers, Captive Animal Protection Society and International Animal Rescue. The Sealife Centre had planned to begin work building the tanks in August. However on Monday 24th July they issued a press release to the Argus newspaper stating that the pools would not be built and the development had been cancelled. They claimed that the decision was nothing to do with the BAA campaign and referred to us as “Extremists” (a petition?). According to the Sealife Centre they have recently introduced sea snakes as an exhibit and this was their reason for cancelling the seals and otters - it seams they won't even pretend they are concerned about public opinion or animal welfare.
Since the start of this campaign an undercover investigator has uncovered some disturbing examples of animal cruelty that are taking place inside the Sealife Centre:
|
Numerous cases of small and overcrowded tanks – remember the Sealife Centre is in a listed building dating back to Victorian times; therefore they are extremely limited in the changes they can make and this includes improving many of the tanks – do we really need to keep animals in tanks this dated? |
|
Behaviour that appears to be abnormal stereotypic “pacing” behaviour in a turtle (Lulu) kept in a barren tank. We would like to see this investigated further. |
|
The public are encouraged to touch the animals, this poses not only a risk to the animals through injury or disease it also is a risk to public health and safety. It may also encourage abnormal behaviour – see picture below. |
From the Sealife Centre themselves:
Please don't think it is just us that are exposing these examples of cruelty; the Sealife Centre are doing it for us! Here are some examples of the SeaLife Centre shooting themselves in the foot!
| This SeaLife Centre advert clearly shows they encourage abnormal “surface breaking” behaviour in Thornback Rays, and are unconcerned about the health and safety of both animals and PEOPLE |
Quotes from the Sealife Centre:
Visitor to the Sealife Centre:
“Does continuous handling of the crabs cause them any stress?SeaLife Centre Staff: "They do sometimes get stressed”.
A fisherman complained to a member of staff about the size of the Catfish tank.
The Sealife Centre staff responded: “People are always complaining about the catfish tank”.
The Sealife Centre claims that it cares about conservation and even has a Save Our Seas campaign - don't believe the hype the SeaLife Centre are owned by Merlin Entertainments Ltd - a profit making company that also own the London Dungeon and Lego Land. They care about money not conservation.
We are asking the public and local businesses to boycott Brighton Sealife Centre and stop them profiting from animal cruelty.
|
Boycott the SeaLife Centre and encourage your friends to do the same |
|
Write to the manager of the Sealife Centre Toby Forer and tell him that you will not visit his establishment and you want to see Lulu and her companion re-homed. Toby Forer, Manager of Sealife Centre Brighton, Sealife Centre Brighton, Marine Parade, Brighton. BN1 1TB or call him on 01273 604234. You could also mention that you are concerned about the other animals in there. |
|
Come along to one of our regular demos outside the SeaLife Centre |
|
Since our campaign many large high street stores are advertising the SeaLife Centre with posters in their windows. speak to the manager and ask them to take down the poster and tell them you will not shop in their store while they are advertising animal cruelty. Some of the most effective campaigns have been won through companies not being able to advertise! |
_______________________________________________________________________________
The National Institute for Research into Aquatic Habitats are proposing to build the largest freshwater aquarium, animal research laboratory and exotic animals supply headquarters in the world. And it is to be based in Bedfordshire. This can not be allowed to happen.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
|
For more information on this campaign contact the Captive Animals Protection Society go to www.captiveanimals.org.uk |
|
Come along to the demos |
___________________________________________________________________________