In his first interview since the announcement, Port Marlborough chief executive Rhys Welbourn said the port was “incredibly disappointed” that EcoWorld director John Reuhman was using the animals as “pawns in his game”. The port had been told by mana whenua, the Department of Conservation, and the Zoo and Aquarium Association that the aquarium could be cleared without its animals being euthanised. The creatures could be released or rehomed. “The future for the animals is a decision for EcoWorld, but we are working with the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) to assist with solutions for the re-homing or release of the animals where required,” Welbourn said.
Just as quickly, she had lost it all. Only five months later, at two minutes after midnight on November 14, 2016, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit the area, bringing devastation. Half of the marine animals were lost when tanks broke, and with power out and no way to manage life support systems for the animals, the survivors were released into the nearby marine reserve. The building which housed the aquarium on Wakatu Quay has since been demolished, but White is determined to re-establish the aquarium.
BRYA INGRAM/STUFF
Although the Kaikoura aquarium was lost in the 2016 earthquake, Janelle White is determined to see it re-established. She is currently managing the aquarium in Picton.
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