Allegations of Poor Animal Welfare at Coastal Aquarium Emerge from Staff Reports
Employees at a coastal aquarium have raised serious concerns about the living conditions of the animals. Journalists reporting for a Telegram channel described the marine life as scarred and frequently sick, citing firsthand accounts from the workforce.
Fourteen staff members, led by the head of the Dolphinarium, Igor Kostychev, stepped forward to disclose what they believed was the truth about the oceanarium. Over time, nine of these individuals retracted their statements, a development that has drawn further attention to the situation.
According to posts on the Telegram channel, the workers face significant repercussions for speaking out. They report being restricted from meeting with the press, having their vacation leave taken away, and facing threats of dismissal as retaliation for sharing information.
The released information describes ongoing damage to the habitats and health concerns among the animals. White whales are reportedly gnawing and tearing at waterproofing materials for several years, with many animals vomiting. Specific cases mentioned include Vasya the dolphin showing signs of a staphylococcus aureus infection and Misha the walrus suffering from diarrhea.
The aquarium’s leadership has contested these claims, stating that the animals are generally in good condition and well cared for. They propose an alternative explanation for the whistleblowing, suggesting that some employees may be attempting to shift attention away from an internal investigation. There are suggestions that budgetary misappropriation could be involved, with a minority suspected of stealing funds.
At present, the dolphinarium portion of the facility is closed while the overall aquarium remains operational. Officials from the health and safety authorities have indicated plans to review the situation and inspect the premises to determine the welfare of the animals and the transparency of the reporting process.
Observers note the seriousness of the allegations and emphasize the need for independent verification of the reports. Animal welfare advocates, regulatory bodies, and the public are awaiting a clear accounting of conditions, the measures taken to address any issues, and the steps planned to ensure ongoing welfare for the marine residents. The dialogue around this incident underscores the importance of whistleblower protections, responsible oversight, and consistent reporting practices to maintain public trust in coastal aquariums and similar institutions.
In the broader context, the incident highlights a pattern seen in some facilities where tension between staff and management can influence how problems are disclosed. Stakeholders recommend transparent investigations, thorough habitat assessments, and rigorous health monitoring to prevent deterioration of animal welfare and to safeguard the reputations of the institutions involved. When authorities receive credible complaints, swift, independent action becomes crucial to restoring confidence in the care provided to marine life and to the integrity of the workplace culture within such organizations. This evolving situation will likely prompt further inquiries from watchdog groups and media outlets as new information emerges and methods for verification are applied. Attribution: reports from the Telegram channel amur porridgethat and subsequent statements from the aquarium leadership are cited by investigators and observers seeking a balanced view of the events.