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White Tigers Stuck In Aquarium Haven’t Felt The Sun In 12 Years



Four white tigers living in Houston haven’t see the sun for 12 years. These same tigers haven’t been able to feel grass or earth under their feet either. In 2004, the four tigers, who were bred in captivity, sold to an indoor aquarium in Texas. The aquarium is called the Downtown Aquarium and has a second-floor restaurant, and the aquarium is on the first.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK / DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM HOUSTON

The tigers are all between the ages of 12 and 13, their names are Marina, Coral, Reef, and Nero. They live in the “Maharaja’s Temple” attraction.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK / DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM HOUSTON

Inside the exhibit are concrete floors, and their only view of the outside world is through the glass wall that separates them from the visitors.


The indoor exhibit looks more like a movie set than a tiger habitat. When the tigers are not on the exhibit, they are kept in the holding areas in the back and are held in cells, with more concrete and still no windows.

Image Credit: CARNEY ANNE NASSER

Dr. Jennifer Conrad, a veterinarian with the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), stated that the conditions are very dungeon-like and has the potential to harm their psychological and physical health.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK / DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM HOUSTON

She added that it is cruel to confine the naturally roaming and complex carnivores to such a small, artificial, and dark enclosure.

Image Credit: ANIMAL LEAGUE DEFENSE FUND

She was also concerned that there were no enrichment activities for the tigers and no sunshine for them to bask in.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK / DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM HOUSTON

They have spent 12 years living on hard and slippery concrete. The company that owns Downtown Aquarium, Landry’s Inc., was issued a notice of intent to sue for violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on Monday.

Image Credit: CARNEY ANNE NASSER

ALDF will follow through within 60 days if the tigers are not rehomed to more reputable and accredited sanctuaries.

Image Credit: CARNEY ANNE NASSER

The ALDF has even extended the offer to rehome the tigers at no cost. The aquarium is defending itself.

The director of animal husbandry at the aquarium, Jame Prappas, said that the exhibit has skylights and windows that allow sunlight inside.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK / DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM HOUSTON

Additionally, the air system in place meets the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) ventilation and humidity guidelines.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK / DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM HOUSTON

Prappas added that the tigers do get enrichment activities throughout the day and have holding areas that expose them to fresh air.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK / DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM HOUSTON

Animal activists were unimpressed by this update and have been concerned for years about the Downtown Aquarium.


As of now, the lives of these tigers hangs in the balance there are vetted sanctuaries that are ready to take the tigers.

Image Credit: FACEBOOK / DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM HOUSTON

They deserve better. Living with no sunshine, natural vegetation, or place to run and jump or even hide from the public is no way for these beautiful creatures to live.



Sign the petition here or call the aquarium to try and get these tigers a better home soon.

Image Credit: CARNEY ANNE NASSER

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