All animals once on display at the now-shuttered SeaQuest in Roseville have been moved to new homes, including three places in the Twin Cities.
A zoo in Duluth also accepted a couple hundred animals after the hands-on aquarium and petting zoo in Rosedale Center abruptly shut down in February as the attraction’s parent company progressed through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
In the metro area, Como Zoo, the Minnesota Zoo and Sea Life at the Mall of America “dedicated countless hours to rescuing and rehoming hundreds of the animals,” said Pam Hoye, a spokeswoman for the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. “These animals are still behind-the-scenes receiving needed care to ensure their long-term health and full acclimation before being available for the public to see them again.”
A bankruptcy judge in Idaho approved a motion for SeaQuest to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help move animals needing a new home. In a February court filing, the trustee handing SeaQuest’s affairs said “failure to do so may jeopardize their health and safety.”
In the weeks that followed, two African crested porcupines were sent to the Como Zoo in St. Paul. Sea Life at the Mall of America accepted about 600 reptiles and sea creatures. The Minnesota Zoo brought in a variety of fish and mammals, including two two-toed sloths, a three-banded armadillo, seven sugar gliders, several reptiles, one crab and even a tarantula.
The zoo had never had wallaby before. Now it has two. It has also added a water monitor, which is a large Asian lizard, to its collection, said Kurt Heizmann, director of animal care.
Some of the animals are already on display at the Minnesota Zoo while others are still in quarantine while they adjust to their new surroundings and receive medical care.
“We are excited to provide relief to these animals and tell their stories,” Heizmann said. “These animals have a new opportunity and a new care staff.”
