Pizza, dubbed as the “world’s saddest polar bear,” tugged at heartstrings when videos of him moping inside his enclosure emerged.
The animal is at Grandview Aquarium within the Grandview mega-mall in Guangzhou, China. The aquarium, which opened on Jan. 9, is described as the world’s saddest zoo.
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PETA wrote:
“The aquarium displays 500 species – including two polar bears, five walrus calves, six young beluga whales, and two Arctic wolves – in barren enclosures that are too small for them to engage in natural behavior.”
Thus, the animals suffer from “neglect, poor care, lack of stimulation, and lack of natural light,” according to PETA.
It also said there are reports of animals displaying symptoms of zoochosis. Rocking, swaying, pacing endlessly, or even hurting themselves are signs of it. Zoochosis usually results from boredom, loneliness, and sometimes even abuse from their caretakers.
Spectators witnessed walrus calves and beluga whales swimming in circles, PETA reported. While the bears, Artic wolves, and foxes were seen pacing back and forth “excessively” and scratching at the walls.
Hong Kong-based animal rights group, Animals Asia, launched a petition on March 8 for the aquarium to close its doors. The largest Chinese operator of ocean parks, Haichang Ocean Park Holdings Ltd., funds the park.
Animals Asia noticed spectators banging on Pizza’s glass enclosure to get his attention just for selfies, according to Fox News.
“We are calling on the Chinese public not to attend this attraction,” Welfare Director of Animals Asia, David Neale said. “We are calling for it to be closed down. This is a bear that suffers for what? For selfies? For shopping?”
The group’s petition garnered over 377,600 signatures.
However, according to The Guardian, Li Chentang, the aquarium’s deputy manager said, “The polar bear in the aquarium is very happy.”
Neale argued that the species require a lot of room for walking, running, climbing and hunting.
“Taking animals from their natural environments can never be defended, but when they’re rehomed in conditions like we’re seeing at the Grandview Aquarium it’s the worst possible situation,” Neale said.
As a result of the international backlash, the aquarium invited Animals Asia to visit it in April for advice.
Although it doesn’t seem likely for the park to shut down or the animals to be relocated, Neale said, “We cannot turn our backs on them.”
Listening to the group’s recommendation, the park provided piles of snow for the bears. In addition, the aquarium is starting an enrichment program.
Animals Asia plans to keep a close eye on the animals at Grandview Aquarium and give helpful advice, according to Fox News.
“If our experience has taught us anything – first you open doors, then you open cages,” Neale said.
