LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — SeaQuest Las Vegas is responding to animal activists outcry following the death of a sloth named Flash this past July.
As 13 Action News reported yesterday, veterinary records show the sloth died on July 30 following a history of weakness, twitching and a lack of appetite after less than a year at the Boulevard Mall location in Las Vegas.
PETA issued a letter sent to the USDA alleging improper handling.
In response, SeaQuest issued this statement:
SeaQuest is heartbroken by the loss of Flash the sloth in Las Vegas. As soon as we discovered Flash was unwell, we began working with our dedicated team of husbandry experts and licensed veterinarians. It is our mission to provide the very best specialized healthcare for all of our over 35,000 animals. In the case of Flash, we exhausted all our options, including seeking support from our network of veterinarians nationwide. After the passing of the sloth, a careful investigation was conducted and reported to state and federal regulatory authorities. We pursued advice and a thorough review of our husbandry practices from the community of zoo specialists. All information we gathered during this was shared nationally with the hopes it could give more insights and lead to building stronger animal care practices. We have attached a letter for our veterinarian in Las Vegas, an individual outside of SeaQuest, who confirms that the cause of this tragedy was undeterminable and that every avenue for healthcare was taken.
SeaQuest's problems extend beyond Las Vegas
Additionally, the pet hospital that saw Flash on "Numerous visits" also issued a statement in part saying "a complete necropsy revealed no gross abnormalities, and histopathology failed to identify any primary problem leading to his passing." (CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL STATEMENT).
