Skip to main content

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

Share away, people.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

“I’m Not Leaving You, Mama!” This is What Love Looks Like.

UPDATE: Lizzie and Phantom are currently recovering in an outdoor koala ward within the  Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital . They’re doing swimmingly; Phantom is both gaining weight and exploring his temporary habitat. And of course, mama and baby are sharing more adorable cuddles! For most species in the animal kingdom, the bond between mother and baby is incredibly strong. That's pretty much inarguable. But last week, two koalas in Australia further proved it. After they were hit by a car, Lizzie and her joey, Phantom were welcomed into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Six-month-old Phantom had escaped the accident unscathed. Lizzie, however, wasn’t looking so good, what with facial trauma and a collapsed lung. In order to survive, she needed to go under the surgeon’s knife. But this marsupial mama wasn’t alone during the life-saving procedure. Phantom accompanied her and clung to her as she received treatment. The vets let them be; Phantom was too y...
Read more

Protect Our Waters: Say No To Plastic Waste!

Plastic garbage. It’s something we all see everyday. Don’t be fooled to think that these plastics are merely an eyesore.  We’ve become so accustomed to using plastic utensils, straws, water bottles and bags that it’s easy to forget the impact this has on our environment and climate. My name is Tyler and I’m in my fourth year of university in Canada, where I’m earning a degree in Environmental Studies. I'm also an environmental activist.  Even for someone like me, it’s hard to avoid using plastic at places like fast food restaurant, and that needs to change.   I’ve started this movement to highlight calls to action happening around the world, and to grow a community of everyday citizens pressing governments and companies to get serious about cleaning up our rivers, lakes and oceans . When we work together, and keep the pressure on, we really can make an impact. I know this firsthand, after collaborating with activists across Canada to successfully urge th...
Read more

Speak out against the cruel dog meat trade

Much of the world sees dogs as their trusted companions, but in parts of Asia they suffer terribly as victims of the trade in dog meat for human consumption. In some Asian countries, dogs used for this industry are mostly stolen pets and they are sometimes tortured before being slaughtered. The dog meat trade is not only cruel, but is also linked to the spread of rabies and other diseases. HSI is working with local organizations in South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India to sensitize the public about the harmful dog meat trade that thrives in these countries. We actively shut down farms in South Korea, assist farmers as they transition to more humane livelihoods, support our local Chinese partners in intercepting dog meat traders’ trucks, fund the care of confiscated and rescued animals and lobby for better laws throughout Asia. Take the pledge to fight the cruel dog meat trade >>> SIGN PETITION HERE <<<
Read more