The state of New Jersey has placed Woodbridge Center Mall’s SeaQuest Aquarium on probation after receiving notice that several exotic animals have died or were mistreated at the location.
The center was placed on probation in September of 2023, but this week, PETA claimed that in SeaQuest’s five years of operation, there had been almost 100 animal deaths.
The probation, issued by NJ Fish & Wildlife, is set to end on September 27, 2024. During this time period, SeaQuest must follow a list of demands, including ceasing the petting of certain animals, maintaining different quarters for sick and healthy animals and providing an efficient supply of food and water for all animals. If these needs are not met, SeaQuest Aquarium faces the possibility of permanent closure, according to NJ Fish & Wildlife. Their probation will be lengthened if any animals are reported dead or mistreated during this time.
SeaQuest Aquarium is currently open for business, although with limited functionality. The facility has not been able to buy new animals in the past year or hold any “please touch” animal exhibits.
In January, NJ Fish & Wildlife also suggested a 120-day hiatus on interactions between humans and animals at SeaQuest Woodbridge because of an upsurge in mycobacteria, causing a “shell rot” infection in turtles. It is unknown, however, if SeaQuest followed this hiatus.
According to published reports, former employees have spoken out about SeaQuest’s mistreatment of exotic animals, mentioning that they saw many animals pass away at the facility during their time there. The future of SeaQuest Aquarium remains unknown as the probation is almost complete.
