Whistleblower Testimony about Beatings and Abuse Cited

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Mill Valley, Calif. (April 4, 2001) . . . In Defense of Animals announced today that it has filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture detailing widespread violations of the Animal Welfare Act at Six Flags Marine World, a federally licensed exhibitor of exotic land and sea animals.

IDA's March 30 complaint is based on the sworn affidavits of Melissa Hindman and Aaron Wilson, two former Marine World employees who have attested to animal beatings, neglect, suffering and terror caused by inadequate veterinary care, improper housing, mishandling by untrained and unqualified personnel, and exposure to noise from thrill rides and growing crowds at the Vallejo, Calif. park. The affidavits were made public at a press conference last month.

"The statements of the former Marine World employees provide clear evidence of widespread violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including the failure to provide basic veterinary care to animals and meet the minimal housing and nutritional standards required by federal law," said IDA president Elliot Katz, DVM. "In addition, the evidence shows that Marine World has failed in basic ways to train employees to safely and humanely handle animals, and that this failure endangered both animal welfare and employee and public safety."

"Finally, the evidence clearly points to the profoundly negative impact that the thundering rides, noisy and growing crowds, and frenetic environment of a theme amusement park is having on the animals at Marine World," Katz concluded, adding that according to the affidavits, at least 23 animals have died at the park since the addition of roller coasters and other theme rides in 1997. These include both of the park's orca whales, 2 dolphins, a baby elephant, a sea lion, a camel, numerous sheep, 2 kangaroos and approximately 10 wallabies.

The evidence in the testimony of Ms. Hindman and Mr. Wilson directly contradicts previous USDA findings of "excellent" animal care at the park. The two former employees attested to the inadequacies of USDA oversight of the park, including perfunctory inspections that were guided by park management.

In its complaint, IDA raised questions about the adequacy of the USDA's enforcement activities to date and cautioned that " a decidedly different approach" would be necessary if "a thorough and credible USDA investigation" of this situation is to be undertaken.

More about IDA's Marine Mammal Campaign