Insider account #9: Shark deaths at SEA LIFE Birmingham

Insider account #9: Shark deaths at SEA LIFE Birmingham

One insider from Sea Life Birmingham told Freedom for Animals: “One of two scalloped hammerhead sharks died after a period of gradually declining health. For some time, the shark had been repeatedly bumping into the rockwork and sides of the tank, with the result that its body was covered in sores and scratches. However, no attempt was made to catch the animal and move it to a larger aquarium. The other shark will also probably die soon as it is a sociable species and does not like to be on its own.

“The sharks were brought into the centre as small juveniles about three years ago. They are very active and grow quickly, reaching up to 3.5 metres in length. At the time of death, the shark was about 2.5 metres. Before the sharks arrived, some staff expressed concerns that the tank was too small for such a large/active species. Unfortunately they were overruled and the introduction went ahead”.

Welfare concerns for sharks

Photo source: www.flickr.com/photos/gogetgnarly)

7 Comments on "Insider account #9: Shark deaths at SEA LIFE Birmingham"

  • Anonymous says

    The second hammerhead also died a few months ago. All mention of the hammerhead sharks has been removed from the Birmingham Sea Life website.

  • karen flynn says

    This is a disgrace this is why no such places should exist. Freedom to all captive creatures.

    • Nicola O'Brien says

      Caps’ activists: Are you free to help us raise awareness about the imprisoned belugas on Saturday June 6th?

      A worldwide Empty the Tanks Day of Action launches on June 6th from London and the USA. We are are collaborating with Empty the Tanks and we hope you can support our Sea Life anti-captivity protests in London, Birmingham and Manchester. Please let us know if you can plan a protest at these or any of the other Sea Life centres in the country listed from their website: https://www.visitsealife.com/

      We must keep pressure on Merlin/Sea Life in the UK while they remain in constant public denial of their hypocrisy about the 3 belugas imprisoned for profit in Shanghgai.

      SEA LIFE is owned by Merlin Entertainments, the second largest visitor attraction operator in the world, famous for their theme parks and attractions. One of their biggest claims is that they believe no cetacean (whale, dolphin or porpoise) should be held captive, and in fact claim they campaign to end such practices. Merlin own an aquarium operating as part of the SEA LIFE brand which holds these three beluga whales, all of whom are forced to perform daily to crowds in circus-style shows.

      We are calling on Merlin to end the public shows and invest some of their multimillion pound profits into building a sanctuary for these poor whales; to show some compassion to these beautiful creatures and stop this public torment!

      Please let us know if you are free on 06/06/15 to join or organise a protest.
      Contact Freedom for Animals asap about any campaign materials you may need and ideas you want to share.

      Thank you.

  • clair murgatroyd says

    What gives humans the right to take any kind of animal from their own home. Just for humans to stand there stare and go..oohhh . Education and common sense.. animals are not our entertainment

    • Nicola O'Brien says

      Caps’ activists: Are you free to help us raise awareness about the imprisoned belugas on Saturday June 6th?

      A worldwide Empty the Tanks Day of Action launches on June 6th from London and the USA. We are are collaborating with Empty the Tanks and we hope you can support our Sea Life anti-captivity protests in London, Birmingham and Manchester. Please let us know if you can plan a protest at these or any of the other Sea Life centres in the country listed from their website: https://www.visitsealife.com/

      We must keep pressure on Merlin/Sea Life in the UK while they remain in constant public denial of their hypocrisy about the 3 belugas imprisoned for profit in Shanghgai.

      SEA LIFE is owned by Merlin Entertainments, the second largest visitor attraction operator in the world, famous for their theme parks and attractions. One of their biggest claims is that they believe no cetacean (whale, dolphin or porpoise) should be held captive, and in fact claim they campaign to end such practices. Merlin own an aquarium operating as part of the SEA LIFE brand which holds these three beluga whales, all of whom are forced to perform daily to crowds in circus-style shows.

      We are calling on Merlin to end the public shows and invest some of their multimillion pound profits into building a sanctuary for these poor whales; to show some compassion to these beautiful creatures and stop this public torment!

      Please let us know if you are free on 06/06/15 to join or organise a protest.
      Contact Freedom for Animals asap about any campaign materials you may need and ideas you want to share.

      Thank you.

    • Nicola O'Brien says

      Exactly!

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