Southwest Plaza Mall in Littleton, Colorado has opened SeaQuest, a controversial “interactive aquarium.”

Colorado is a forward-thinking, animal-friendly state that cares about the environment and the planet, this latest addition is not welcome in our state. 

There is a documented history of repeated criminal convictions involving illegal acquirement and trade of exotic animals, and lying to investors linked to SeaQuest Interactive Aquariums. Employee and customer safety marks from OSHA are on record, as well as eyewitness testimony of abuse, and neglect. These aquariums also see an unusually high mortality rate compared to averages across the country. 

SeaQuest has already failed two animal welfare inspections in Colorado since its opening a few weeks ago and a cease and desist has been issued for its bird exhibit by state inspectors, who have called the exhibit a "danger" to the birds.  There have been multiple concerns raised by numerous members of the public regarding the conditions and care of the animals. Some of those include filthy tanks, overfeeding of the stingrays by the public, slapping the water of the tanks to attract animals, people reaching their hands into the water to “pet” the aquatic animals, unsafe conditions for birds where they are in danger of being stepped on, swatting at the birds with dustpans, lack of water for the reptiles, wallabies in an unnatural and distressing environment, etc. They even unlawfully imported into Colorado without permits a sloth and capybara.

We believe that Colorado is an amazing state, full of caring individuals who stand against what Sea Quest stands for. It is up to us to stand up for what is morally right for these animals. We pride ourselves on supporting ethical businesses that bring revenue to the area and educate the public. The Interactive Aquarium by SeaQuest does not meet those standards. 

The animals deserve better, and Southwest Plaza Mall in Littleton needs to do better by them.  These animals should be in the care of experts educated in their particular species; not stuck under the lights of an indoor mall in unsafe and distressing conditions.

We call on Southwest Plaza Mall to do the right thing and put animal welfare before profit.  Shut down this unsafe store run by people with a long history of illegal activities and animal neglect.  Coloradoans and the animals deserve better.

Don't be captivated by their captivity. #captivitykills #banseaquest