ROSEVILLE, Minn. — Hundreds of animals left in the lurch when SeaQuest abruptly shut down its location in Roseville are now in new homes, adjusting to new lives in safe surroundings.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) confirmed Tuesday that there are no more animals in the closed SeaQuest location, after a network of accredited and vetted organizations worked together to rehome them. Among the Twin Cities organizations that helped in the effort were the Minnesota Zoo, Como Zoo and SEA LIFE at Mall of America. All three committed to taking multiple creatures and giving them a new life.
- SEA LIFE at Mall of America rescued and rehomed around 600 animals including a Nurse shark, Cownose rays, Asian arowana, Red Tegu, along with a number of reptiles and sea creatures. These sea creatures have been receiving care from experienced animal care teams, marine biologists and world-renowned veterinary consultants.
- The Minnesota Zoo has taken in 128 creatures including a wide-variety of fish and mammals including two wallabies, two two-toed sloths, two crested porcupines, a three-banded armadillo, and seven sugar gliders. All animals are reported in in stable health.
- Como Zoo brought in two African crested porcupines.
The Lake Superior Zoo previously stepped in to help, rehoming nearly 200 birds and a few snakes.
AZA says the rehomed animals are still behind the scenes receiving needed care to ensure their long-term health and full acclimation before being displayed for the public. The organization also extended thanks to the SeaQuest animal care team that remained behind when the facility closed, saying members cared for the animals despite having limited resources, and helped in evaluating and transporting them to new homes as soon as possible…