Insider account #7: Confidentiality agreements

Insider account #7: Confidentiality agreements

All SEA LIFE volunteers and staff are made to sign confidentiality agreements. When an insider asked a senior manager why such an agreement was required, the manager said that unexpected deaths occur and situations arise which need to be kept behind closed doors so all staff and volunteers must sign an agreement.

Something to hide, SEA LIFE?

Photo source: www.flickr.com/photos/mmmswan

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Insider account #6: SEA LIFE supply base refuses to send animals to SEA LIFE Birmingham over welfare concerns

Insider account #6: SEA LIFE supply base refuses to send animals to SEA LIFE Birmingham over welfare concerns

An insider told Freedom for Animals that a member of staff reporting back to a meeting in Weymouth SEA LIFE centre had visited Birmingham SEA LIFE centre and was “disgusted by the condition that the areas and tanks were kept in so all deliveries of livestock were cancelled until they ‘got their act together’”. SEA LIFE Birmingham refers to itself as the “National SEA LIFE Centre” – the self-styled flagship of the brand. The insider left employment shortly afterwards and so could not confirm if …

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Insider account #5: Dead animals dumped in the bin

Insider account #5: Dead animals dumped in the bin

Some of the wild-caught fish regularly delivered to SEA LIFE aquariums from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef die on the long journey. A number of fish have been found dead on arrival. These animals were “bagged up and binned”. An insider said there was little reaction to the arrival of dead animals. It was expected that some would perish on the journey.

Many fish die in transit, said whistleblower

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Insider account #3 and #4: Penguin chick deaths

Insider account #3 and #4: Penguin chick deaths

One insider reported a penguin chick dying at around one week old and told Freedom for Animals it was because the staff were “unable to feed it”. The death was put down in part to staff inexperience. Previously, another penguin born at the same centre was allegedly trampled to death during a late night event at the aquarium. Staff had reportedly warned that the noise could disrupt the penguins but the warnings went unheeded.

A baby penguin died at a late night event

Photo source: www.flickr.com/photos/princesstinkerb

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Insider account #2: Killing seahorse babies

Insider account #2: Killing seahorse babies

Despite SEA LIFE’s claims of expertise in seahorse breeding, a member of staff told us that she found dozens of baby seahorses had become trapped in one of the tank’s filtration systems. When they were found more than half were already dead. When the member of staff began to move them to safety in another empty tank a more senior employee said not to bother as they were to be killed because there was neither food nor manpower to look after them. When questioned …

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Insider account #1: Weekly deliveries of wild-caught animals

Insider account #1: Weekly deliveries of wild-caught animals

SEA LIFE’s Weymouth centre receives large quantities of wild-caught fish in weekly deliveries, Freedom for Animals has been told by a former employee. The fish are caught for the aquarium trade from delicate wild habitats including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, where one of SEA LIFE’s major suppliers operates from. Two major fish suppliers were used with dozens of fish arriving weekly.

As part of its education work, SEA LIFE tells visitors that they can help to protect coral reefs, telling them: “Don’t touch anything …

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SEA LEAKS: Brave whistleblowers expose dirty secrets of SEA LIFE aquariums

SEA LEAKS: Brave whistleblowers expose dirty secrets of SEA LIFE aquariums

In April 2014, The Freedom for Animals launched a campaign in response to growing concerns over the operation of the world’s largest aquarium brand, SEA LIFE aquariums. The campaign launch followed a detailed investigation and revealed a number of shocking truths about the company, which is owned by global entertainment giant, Merlin Entertainments.

Conservation, education and animal welfare were scrutinised during the investigation and major concerns were raised on each of these issues. In addition, it was revealed that, despite claiming to be opposed to the …

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SEA LIFE parent company spends millions on roller coaster while whales languish in circus shows

SEA LIFE parent company spends millions on roller coaster while whales languish in circus shows

Yesterday, Merlin Entertainments, the parent company of SEA LIFE aquariums announced its half-year financial results to the world. Proudly boasting of income growth of £30 million, the company has raked in a massive £513 million pounds in just the first six months of the year. The company further promotes a huge £61 million expenditure on its existing attractions, including: a new roller coaster and a new captive penguin display. Meanwhile the three beluga whales held captive in the Shanghai SEA LIFE centre continue to perform in …

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New support for SEA LIES campaign!

New support for SEA LIES campaign!

We are delighted to share these brilliant photos from the Risky Business Drama Group and Media group, who are getting behind the SEA LIES campaign. Here is the message from the group:

We are Risky Business drama group and the Media Group.

We are part of Skillnet Group which supports people with learning difficulties to progess and be equal.

Patrica says “I wanted to take part in this campaign because i didn’t like what i saw when I went to an aquarium. It’s not nice for the animals to …

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Support an end to whaling, don’t support SEA LIFE aquariums

SEA LIFE aquariums, whose parent company exploits whales in daily circus-style shows, are promoting the campaign of a respected whale and dolphin conservation group, which calls for an end to the transfer of whale products through the EU.

SEA LIFE are asking members of the public to use the hashtag #wailforwhales to share videos of themselves “wailing” for whales.

Please check out and share our #wailforwhales video.

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