SeaQuest Remains Open After Some Animals Removed

LITTLETON, CO – Colorado Parks and Wildlife suspended the license of Littleton-based SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium in the Southwest Plaza Mall in April, after "numerous violation episodes" were documented about the care of animals at the facility. However, SeaQuests only displays a couple of species of animals monitored under the jurisdiction of CPW, the agency said.

Starting in summer, 2018, the company had a year to comply with rules for a state license to house animals such as otters, capybara, kookaburra, some types of fish, a sloth and three types of snakes. After a regulatory hearing, CPW suspended that license for two years, the agency said this week.

"SeaQuest may not apply for, purchase, or exercise the benefits conferred by any CPW license during that time," the agency said in a press release.

SeaQuest plans to remain in business and replace the CPW-regulated animals with those that do not require CPW licensing. The company told Denver7 that the animals in question have been moved to other SeaQuest facilities. The company runs exotic wildlife petting zoos in California, Florida, Nevada Texas and Utah.

“Since this change took place, we have made some changes and are happy to welcome Peking ducks, Asian water monitors, and Savannah cats - all of which our guests can see, touch and feed" Elsa MacDonald told the station in a statement. "This change will enhance the guest experience and truly provide an ultimate interactive experience.”

In July, 2018, the Colorado Department of Agriculture issued a cease and desist order against the exotic animals company for failing to pass numerous Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act inspections, and a Fox31 investigation found humans crowding into cages, where small birds were walking on the floor.

The company agreed to reduce the number of birds at the mall to 30 or less, and removed the smallest birds, the parakeets, from the aviary. The company also agreed to limit the number of people who can enter the aviary at once.

Related: State Clamps Down On SeaQuest Bird Exhibit In Littleton