Lawmaker wants federal probe of SeaQuest after 5 INVESTIGATES report

A Minnesota member of Congress is calling for a federal investigation of SeaQuest — a chain of aquariums and petting zoos recently accused of animal neglect and putting guests in danger.

The formal request from U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is part of a wave of reaction to a joint investigation by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS and ABC News in February. 

More guests and more former employees of SeaQuest have since come forward to share their experiences.

The company sells hands-on “interactions” with a variety of exotic animals at seven locations found inside shopping malls across the country, including the Rosedale Center in Roseville. Public records show inspectors have repeatedly cited SeaQuest for issues involving the health and safety of ...