7/31/2019 Complaint Letter to APHIS regarding Shouka at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

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TO: USDA/APHIS/AC

2150 Centre Ave.Building B, Mailstop 3W11

Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117

Via: Email: acwest@aphis.usda.gov

RE: Report of Non-Compliance Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Customer ID: 27824,

Certificate: 93-C-0809

To Whom It May Concern:,

Let this letter stand as a formal complaint and report of non-compliance of the AnimalWelfare Act 9 C.F.R. Part 3 - Standard, Subpart E -Section 3.109 Specifications for the

Humane Handling, Care, Treatment and Transportation of Marine Mammals at Six Flags

Discovery Kingdom, 2001 Marine World Parkway, Vallejo, CA 94589. Since November2011, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has been in violation of Section 3.109 of the Animal

Welfare Act in regards to their killer whale, Shouka.

Section 3.109 of the Animal Welfare Act states:

Marine mammals, whenever known to be primarily social in the wild, must be housed in

their primary enclosure with at least one compatible animal of the same or biologically

related species, except when the attending veterinarian, in consultation with thehusbandry/training staff, determines that such housing is not in the best interest of the

marine mammal's health or well-being. However, marine mammals that are not compatible

must not be housed in the same enclosure. Marine mammals must not be housed near otheranimals that cause them unreasonable stress or discomfort or interfere with their good

health. Animals housed separately must have a written plan, approved by the attending

veterinarian, developed in consultation with the husbandry/training staff, that includes the

justification for the length of time the animal will be kept separated or isolated,information on the type and frequency of enrichment and interaction, if appropriate, and

provisions for periodic review of the plan by the attending veterinarian. Marine mammals

that are separated for nonmedical purposes must be held in facilities that meet minimumspace requirements as outlined in 3.104.

Shouka, the killer whale housed at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has been without ANY

companionship for almost a year other than humans. The bottlenose dolphin, Merlin, whowas housed with Shouka has been relocated to another part of the park since the fall of

2011. This is a clear violation of the Animal Welfare Act. APHIS West has been aware of

this situation since September 2011 and Shouka still remains in isolation

It is the duty of APHIS to ensure marine parks are in compliance with the Animal WelfareAct. This matter requires your immediate action and attention. It is not acceptable nor

within the law the Six Flags is keeping Shouka in isolation away from any other animals. IfSix Flags cannot properly care for Shouka, then she should be sent back to her family in

France.

Your agency has the power to impose fines, take legal action, suspend a license and even

confiscate an animal and you have done absolutely nothing for almost a year to ensure the

mailto:acwest@aphis.usda.govmailto:acwest@aphis.usda.gov

7/31/2019 Complaint Letter to APHIS regarding Shouka at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

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well being of Shouka. If your agency refuses to address these matters without any

reasonable explanation that is within the law, I will not hesitate to take further action.

Sincerely,