As someone who has owned hermit crabs for years, I've come to understand their needs and the environment where they truly thrive. Hermit crabs are fascinating creatures, deserving a space that respects their natural habitats, which is far from the small, crowded cages filled with painted shells often found on the Wildwood, NJ boardwalk. Their natural habitat is not the beachside stalls where they are currently being sold or displayed. They are not toys.  It is abuse to keep them like this.

Hermit crabs are tropical creatures, thriving in the warm, humid forests where they can roam free, play, and find natural shells to call home. Unfortunately, the conditions on the boardwalk do not meet any of these needs. In the cramped quarters, often provided in boardwalk settings, hermit crabs face distress due to overcrowding, lack of proper hiding spots, and shells that are sometimes painted with toxic materials, affecting their health and well-being.

Many vendors on the boardwalk may not fully understand or cater to the essential needs of these crabs, leading to poor treatment and, often, untimely death. These conditions are simply unacceptable for any living creature, especially one that plays a vital role in their ecosystem as both a scavenger and a source of food for other wildlife.

Removing hermit crabs from the boardwalk would not only cease this mistreatment but also educate the public on the importance of caring for all creatures with respect. We propose alternative attractions that could replace these hermit crab stalls, such as educational exhibits about marine life or interactive activities that highlight the importance of conservation.

Join us in making the Wildwood boardwalk a place of education and fun, not one of harm and ignorance. By signing this petition, you help bring awareness to the plight of hermit crabs and support a healthier, more responsible treatment of wildlife. It is awful to see them being tortured every 20 feet you walk on the boardwalk.