By Cassidy Grom | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com
Animal welfare activists are asking New Jersey officials to block an aquarium from coming to the state.
SeaQuest, which runs “interactive” aquariums in five other states, will open a site at Woodbridge Center Mall this fall, it announced last month. However, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is calling foul on the company, saying it has a track record of putting animals at risk — an allegation the company refutes.
“SeaQuest is losing permits left and right, and it should be chased out of any town where it tries to set up shop,” PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet said. “PETA is urging New Jersey officials to take a close look at the risks to animals and to the public that this sleazy petting zoo would bring to the Garden State.”
PETA sent a letter to the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife on Wednesday, urging it to consult with wildlife officials in other states about the aquarium.
“SeaQuest is not ‘losing permits left and right.’ In fact, we are successfully operating six facilities from the west coast to the midwest and continue to provide an incredible, educational and safe guest experience,” company spokesperson Elsa MacDonald said. She added the company is working closely with state officials to provide a safe experience for animals and humans alike.
NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife officials did not immediately return requests for comment from NJ Advance Media.
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