In October 2012 SEA LIFE aquariums went up against a consortium of US aquariums including one of its largest competitors, SeaWorld, in a very public battle. The point of contention: the consortium’s proposed import of wild beluga whales from Russia for a life of exploitation by the businesses in question.

Click to read full letter

Merlin/SEA LIFE was vocal in its opposition to the move, making a number of bold statements which endeared them to respected conservation organisations and animal welfare campaigners alike.

In a strongly-worded …

Following Merlin’s shocking statement that the company saw “no merit” in discussing concerns raised over its continued exploitation of whales in the Shanghai SEA LIFE centre, the company has now withdrawn an invitation extended to Freedom for Animals just days before the launch of the SEA LIES campaign to meet in person, saying it also sees “no merit” in discussing the serious issues raised face-to-face.

Upon receipt of Merlin’s initial letter to Freedom for Animals, stating that the company was “disappointed” by the SEA LIES campaign, …

This morning, Freedom for Animals received a letter from Merlin Entertainments/SEA LIFE in response to our new SEA LIES campaign, which was launched over the weekend. In the interests of transparency, we have published the letter in full on this page (click on the image to the right to view the letter from Merlin). We were extremely disappointed by the response and felt it important to respond.

The below letter has therefore been sent to Merlin today, and can be viewed in PDF form HERE.

Amongst other worrying …

We are beginning to receive reports from former employees and volunteers from SEA LIFE aquariums who share our concerns over animal welfare. Our organisation is well-versed in working with whistleblowers and we treat all information provided to us with sensitivity. Anyone coming forward with information can choose to remain completely anonymous.

If you have any concerns or information regarding any SEA LIFE aquarium, please contact us directly on info@captiveanimals.org or by using the contact form on this website.

This can provide vital information for the ongoing campaign.

Thank you.

Since early last year, Freedom for Animals has worked alongside local groups to oppose plans to open a new Sea Life aquarium in the busy Trafford Shopping Centre in Greater Manchester. When plans were first mooted, Freedom for Animals requested meetings with representatives from the shopping centre and its parent company to discuss concerns. Contact with the parent company was simply ignored and the centre representatives refused the meeting request.

Planning permission for the ill-conceived aquarium was subsequently granted and the centre is reported to be due to …