Jungle Reef under scrutiny again after USDA inspection report

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — Jungle Reef Aquarium is once again under scrutiny following a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection that uncovered significant issues related to animal care, record-keeping and handling practices at the facility.

The USDA report, which was released last month, details several concerning incidents including the deaths of two animals in August — a wallaby named Jupiter, who was killed by a gate crush injury, and a female budgie that died following inadequate veterinary care. The report also cites issues with improper feeding and incomplete animal care records.

The report is attached below:

Jungle Reef, which has been in operation for just under eight months at Shoppes at Solana Mall, originally opened as a hands-on touch aquarium. However, this concept quickly faced backlash after visitors reportedly mistreated the animals in the sea life touch tanks.

“Kids were pulling the animals out of the water, they were squeezing them too tight,” said Jon Hepworth, one of the owners of Jungle Reef in an interview on Aug. 8.

“We had to switch gears. If I didn’t care about the animals, I would have kept putting them in there because that’s what people are paying for,” said Hepworth.

The aquarium has since removed the interactive touch tanks and replaced them with a treasure hunt exhibit for children.

The USDA has conducted multiple routine inspections at the facility, with the most recent report highlighting the wallaby’s death. The incident occurred when the animal was left to roam freely while an employee was moving a large load of hay through the gate, leading to the fatal injury.

Following the report, Hepworth provided a statement, saying “This unfortunate event deeply affected us, and we take this situation very seriously.”

He added that Jungle Reef remains compliant with both state and federal regulations and had recently passed a city inspection.

In response to the wallaby incident, a guard has been installed on the gate to prevent similar accidents. Hepworth also confirmed that the individual previously responsible for animal care is no longer with the facility.

Animal rights organization PETA has been vocal in its criticism of Jungle Reef, urging the public to avoid supporting such establishments.

Klayton Rutherford, a PETA spokesperson said, “PETA urges the public to do its part by not visiting facilities like Jungle Reef. This is a for-profit company, and they’re not in it for animal welfare. They’re in it to make money.”

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