Concerns Arise Over Viral Sidewalk Aquarium in Bed-Stuy

A stir has emerged regarding the “Aquarium,” a viral sidewalk project that gained popularity in New York City last summer. With rising temperatures, animal advocates are worried about the welfare of the fish involved.

Approximately 12 glass tanks filled with goldfish have been set up again, placed in the tree holes near the original site. This comes in the wake of the founder’s 12-year prison sentence in January for an unrelated attempted murder.

Yet, advocates stress that the situation isn’t just a casual concern. With unprecedented heat gripping New York this week, conditions are becoming dire. “It continues to be an inappropriate way to house fish,” said Benjamin Rosenbloom from Wet Pet Veterinarian. He added that the project might, at best, serve as a means for attention.

Rosenbloom expressed frustration about the inadequate conditions. The tanks are so small that direct sun exposure could raise water temperatures to lethal levels, depleting oxygen for the fish.

“In this heat wave, they won’t survive. A painful death is likely,” warned Kathy Nizari from the Animal Welfare Group. Her coalition is urging caretakers to move the fish indoors for proper care.

As John Di Leonardo from Humane Long Island noted, confinement during such extreme conditions is not just unkind but sends the wrong message, especially to children.

Despite these criticisms, co-founder Je-Quan Irving insists that community support remains strong, and he has no plans to halt the project. “We just wanted to keep pushing forward,” he said.

Irving’s fellow founder, Hajj Malik Lovick, was convicted of serious charges last year, contributing to a complex backdrop for the project.

The aquarium initially started as a makeshift setup using a wooden pit filled with water from a leaky hydrant; it was shut down by city officials last year. However, Irving contends that the latest version adheres to code.

He plans to enhance the aquarium with coral reefs and additional lighting. “I’m going to consult a marine biologist to see what other fish we can add,” he mentioned.

Local resident Kristen Kayner reminisced about the earlier version, recalling how it fostered community spirit. “The previous design was larger and more innovative,” she said, expressing happiness that the project persists.

Another local, Calvin, views the aquarium as a new neighborhood attraction, especially with the opening of a nearby deli named “Aquarium Deli Food.” “It’s lovely, and kids adore it,” he noted, hoping it retains its charm.