A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection report exposed shocking conditions at the Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve. The report revealed instances of animal suffering, including an armadillo nearly drowning in a flooded enclosure, a stressed ostrich crashing into a fence, and a despondent macaw trapped without enrichment. The report also cited numerous violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, including animals being denied required vaccines, receiving inadequate enrichment, and being subjected to unsafe public encounters.

The Houston Interactive Aquarium has a history of neglect and mistreatment, with 37 citations for violations in less than five years. PETA is urging the public to stay away from this facility and all roadside zoos that exploit animals for human entertainment. The organization is calling for action to help the animals suffering at the aquarium and to hold the facility accountable for its mistreatment of animals.