“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

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!

• 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 people have been 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
• 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?

We hold regular Sunday and Bank Holiday demonstrations at the Sealife Centre on Brighton seafront – please get in touch if you’d like to help.

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.

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: INSERT PICS

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!