The Portland Aquarium

The Portland Aquarium 

In the spring of 2013 more than 200 marine animals died at the Portland Oregon Aquarium in a three-month period according to and obtained by The Oregonian. Among the casualties were bamboo sharks, sea horses, garden eels, sea stars, crabs and dozens of fish. The handwritten log records deaths at the aquarium from February to May, along with the suspected causes of death. These include starvation, loss of power, being attacked by other animals, infection, high temperatures, becoming "stuck to drain screen," and unknown causes. The Aquarium's owners admit that during the period covered by the log its marine animals were without regular veterinary services. Veterinarian Mike Corcoran, who worked under contract for the Aquarium, quit in February over what he says were concerns about animal welfare.  A veterinarian from the Portland aquarium told the Oregonian newspaper the death toll was "Excessive," saying, "I feel those animals were subject to undue pain and suffering to save money." The aquarium's former veterinarian also said that even when he was under contract the facility failed to properly quarantine new arrivals and routinely delayed emergency treatment to save money. The place shut down in 2016.