It follows an ABC10 investigation that aired July 25. Now, 20 former SeaQuest Folsom employees have come forward warning of animal neglect.
In his letter, he says the allegations directly contradict United States Department of Agriculture regulations. He cites one example about public interactions with otters still needing a rabies vaccination as well as allegations about animals not being properly fed.
“While the USDA is responsible for enforcement of the AWA and conducts annual inspections of all licensed facilities, the primary responsibility for permitting and overseeing the operation of facilities like SeaQuest Folsom within California lies with your department. It is imperative that CDFW investigate these allegations thoroughly to ensure that SeaQuest Folsom is compliant with all relevant state laws and regulations,” wrote Hoover.
He says if the findings of the ABC10 investigation can’t be substantiated, then that information should be released to protect the business from criticism. If they can, Hoover calls on CDFW to protect the safety of the animals and ensure compliance.
“It is important that children and families have the opportunity to experience animals up close to develop an appreciation for them, but this should only be done in a way that protects the safety of the animals and maintains compliance with all legal standards,” wrote Hoover.
ABC10 spoke with our sources from SeaQuest. While pleased with Hoover’s announcement, they expressed concern the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has done inspections for years and “have always been completely fine with what SeaQuest is doing.” Sources alleged CDFW has provided SeaQuest with animals that later died at the aquarium – and are concerned CDFW doesn’t “have the capacity” to truly investigate SeaQuest and the allegations they brought forward to ABC10.
ABC10 reached out to California Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as Asm. Hoover’s office. We are awaiting response.
You can watch both parts of ABC10’s ‘Investigating SeaQuest’ below: