Victory! SeaQuest Fort Worth Aquarium Finally Closes Following Animal Cruelty Allegations

SeaQuest Fort Worth in Texas, a controversial aquarium located in Ridgmar Mall, has officially closed its doors following years of accusations of animal cruelty. The closure follows a formal complaint filed by PETA in August, which was based on whistleblower reports from three former employees.

Whistleblowers reported that two nurse sharks, Icarus and Achilles, likely starved to death due to severe stress from being confined in a small, overcrowded tank with 10 other animals. When former employees noticed that the sharks had stopped eating, they raised concerns, but SeaQuest allegedly ignored the issue and failed to take action.

Dozens of marine animals reportedly died in plastic bags, likely suffocating to death during transport to SeaQuest Fort Worth from the now-closed SeaQuest Littleton location in Colorado.

One whistleblower said, “The fish were shipped in black trash bags or other coolers. There was no effort made to ensure the fish were shipped within the right parameters for the species. No heat packs were provided. Water temperatures were as high as 62 degrees and as low as 54 degrees in bags for tropical warm water species, which is unheard of.”

“Three grey smooth hound sharks shipped in black trash bags died. The bags were so small their bodies were curved. Very little water was put in each bag. They all suffocated to death,” the whistleblower continued. “All the rays were shipped in black trash bags and all but two died. About 50 other fish were shipped and all but eight died.”

According to PETA, SeaQuest allegedly instructed one whistleblower to put several gourami in a tank that was too cold for their natural temperature requirements. The fish reportedly developed a fungus, and several died.

These whistleblower reports were only a small part of a much larger issue. SeaQuest Fort Worth has faced multiple citations over the years for animal deaths, unsanitary enclosures, public safety hazards, and other serious violations. In March 2024, the facility ended up getting sued after a child was bitten.

We strongly urge SeaQuest Fort Worth to transfer all the animals in their care to accredited sanctuaries, instead of relocating them to other SeaQuest facilities or similar attractions.