The Aquarium de Paris has recently faced criticism from animal rights activists for hosting a New Year’s Eve event that could potentially impact the well-being of aquatic animals and possibly violate the law. Despite protests, the establishment’s president maintains that the nighttime activities at the aquarium do not harm the fish.
On Thursday, members of the animal rights association Paris Animaux Zoopolis (PAZ) protested outside the aquarium against the “Réveillon d’exception” event, which promised 1,500 attendees an evening of dancing in front of France’s largest fish tank, containing thousands of fish from around the world. The privately-owned Aquarium de Paris, one of the world’s oldest, has been used as a nightclub on select nights since 2006, accounting for a significant portion of its revenue.
PAZ argues that these events are illegal, citing a law from 2021 that prohibits presenting animals in discos. Amandine Sanvisens, the co-founder of PAZ, has expressed concern over the well-being of the fish, stating that they are not attractions or decorations and are disturbed by the noise and lights during these nighttime events.
In response, the aquarium’s president, Alexis Powilewicz, has defended the establishment, explaining that the fish are not impacted by the nighttime activities. He emphasized that the aquarium has thick methacrylate walls, over 35 to 40 centimeters in thickness, which has been confirmed by veterinary reports to prevent any stereotyped behaviors in the animals. Powilewicz also claimed that the aquarium does not violate the 2021 law, as they do not exhibit the animals, and the fish remain peacefully in their tanks.
However, the Paris administrative court ruled partially in favor of the NGO Sea Shepherd in February 2022, stating that the aquarium’s authorization only covered the public display of animal species and not the hosting of events. The court ordered the police prefecture to take action to ensure that the aquarium complies with the law, leading to an ongoing legal dispute.
The City of Paris, which owns the building housing the aquarium, has indicated that they will soon provide an update on the measures taken to ensure compliance with regulations. This ongoing controversy has sparked a debate over the ethical and legal implications of hosting events at establishments that house animals, prompting discussions on the welfare of animals in entertainment settings.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding the New Year’s Eve event at the Aquarium de Paris highlights the complex intersection of animal rights, entertainment, and legal regulations. As this issue continues to unfold, it underscores the importance of considering the well-being of animals in various human activities and the need for clear guidelines to ensure their protection.
