Austin, Texas, August 3, 2025
News Summary
The USDA has issued a second warning to the Austin Aquarium due to safety violations linked to multiple animal attacks on visitors. This warning follows a series of incidents from June 2022 to May 2023, where guests suffered from bites and injuries requiring medical attention. The USDA’s report highlights the need for improved safety protocols, suggesting that continued violations could lead to criminal prosecution. PETA is advocating for a ban on interactions with wild animals in unaccredited facilities to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals.
Austin, Texas – USDA Issues Second Warning to Austin Aquarium Following Multiple Animal Attacks on Visitors
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a second warning to the Austin Aquarium concerning safety violations linked to multiple animal attacks on visitors. The warning, dated July 3, 2023, follows a series of reported incidents occurring between June 2022 and May 2023 that raised concerns about the handling of animals within the facility.
This latest warning comes after a first notification in 2022 was prompted by two reported animal bite incidents. The USDA’s report details three specific attacks on customers that required medical treatment:
- An adult was jumped on, bitten on the face, and scratched on the lip by a ring-tailed lemur.
- A child was bitten by a kinkajou.
- Another child was bitten by a ring-tailed lemur.
Given the severity of these incidents, the aquarium may face criminal prosecution if these safety violations continue. The USDA has pointed out specific regulatory breaches under 9 C.F.R. § 2.131(c)(1), which requires that minimal risk of harm be ensured for both animals and humans. This includes providing sufficient distance or barriers between animals and visitors to maintain safety.
History of Safety Issues
The Austin Aquarium has a troubling history concerning safety complaints. Between 2018 and 2022, Austin Animal Control responded to five different bite incidents at the aquarium. The facility was previously involved in a lawsuit concerning a 2019 incident when the parents of a 10-year-old girl claimed that aquarium staff did not adequately prevent a lemur from biting their daughter.
In light of the most recent incidents, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has urged the Austin Animal Advisory Commission to support a proposal that would ban public interactions with wild animals at for-profit facilities that are not accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. This action seeks to mitigate risks for both the animals and guests in light of the troubling history of safety concerns at the aquarium.
Future Consequences and Recommendations
While the warning from the USDA has not been interpreted as a final agency action or proven violation, it serves as a precaution against potential future incidents. Should the aquarium continue to exhibit safety violations, further sanctions could follow, including criminal charges. The USDA has significantly highlighted the need for greater safety protocols to prevent animal incidents that could harm visitors.
Conclusion
The Austin Aquarium is currently under scrutiny due to serious safety issues regarding animal interactions with visitors. The USDA’s latest warning serves as a cautionary signal that unless attention is paid to safety protocols, the consequences may escalate significantly.
FAQ Section
What did the USDA’s second warning entail?
The USDA’s second warning highlighted multiple animal attacks on visitors at the Austin Aquarium, urging improved safety measures. This includes specific regulatory violations concerning the handling of animals and ensuring minimal risk to guests.
What incidents led to the USDA’s warnings?
The USDA’s warnings followed several incidents where visitors were bitten by animals, including an adult being assaulted by a lemur and children being bitten by both a lemur and a kinkajou, all of which required medical attention.
What could happen if safety violations continue at the aquarium?
If safety violations persist, the Austin Aquarium may face criminal prosecution and other sanctions from the USDA, affecting its operations.
How is this situation being addressed by animal rights organizations?
PETA has called for a proposal to ban public interactions with wild animals at for-profit facilities that lack accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, advocating for improved animal welfare and visitor safety.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Second USDA Warning | Issued on July 3, 2023, regarding ongoing safety issues at the aquarium. |
| Reported Incidents | Multiple animal attacks on visitors from June 2022 to May 2023. |
| History | Previous incidents leading to lawsuits and prior USDA warnings. |
| Potential Consequences | Criminal prosecution and sanctions if safety violations continue. |
| Animal Rights Response | PETA advocates for banning public interactions with wild animals at unaccredited institutions. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KVUE: Austin Aquarium Federal Warning
- Wikipedia: Austin Aquarium
- KXAN: Woman Claims Lemur Attack
- Google Search: Austin Aquarium Lemur Attack
- The Daily Texan: Austin Aquarium Under Scrutiny
- Google Scholar: Austin Aquarium Animal Safety
- KVUE: Video on USDA Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Aquarium
- Axios: PETA Investigation Request
- Google News: Austin Aquarium USDA Warning
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