Dorset Animal Action were joined by Southampton Animal Action today for a large protest outside the Bournemouth Oceanarium, calling for a public boycott of the attraction.
Following a Freedom of Information request to BCP Council in 2024 — the body responsible for issuing the Oceanarium’s zoo licence — Dorset Animal Action say they were shocked to discover that, despite BCP identifying five animal welfare issues, the Oceanarium was granted a further three-year licence. The group states there is no evidence that BCP Council has returned to re-inspect the site to ensure these recommendations have been addressed.
Protesters dressed as penguins handed out leaflets to members of the public, asking for their help on behalf of animals they say remain trapped inside the Oceanarium. Campaigners highlighted concerns about the Humboldt penguins, which they claim are destined for a life of arthritis and eventual euthanasia when they become unfit for public viewing, as they are unable to behave naturally in captivity.
They also drew attention to Carrie, a loggerhead turtle, who they say could face another 55 years in a solitary tank if she lives to full life expectancy. The group further raised concerns about the welfare of a leopard gecko, which they state was fed an incorrect diet, diagnosed with Metabolic Bone Disease, suffered broken bones as a result, and was taken off display in 2024.
Sally Collins of Dorset Animal Action said: “Not a single animal has been released into the wild since the Oceanarium opened. A quarter of the animals within the Oceanarium die every year. The Oceanarium does not care about the animals who are held in unsuitable and unacceptable conditions simply for entertainment and profit. Help us close this place down and rehome these animals.”
The group is urging the council to take action and is calling on members of the public to contact BCP Council to request that the Oceanarium’s licence be revoked at [email protected].
Supporters are also encouraged to add their names to Dorset Animal Action’s petition at: www.dorsetanimalaction.org
