San Antonio Aquarium Faces Renewed Scrutiny after Years of Violations – The San Antonio Aquarium, located in Leon Valley, Texas, has a long history of safety and operational concerns, culminating in its recent closure and ongoing legal battles.
The aquarium first gained notoriety in july 2018 when surveillance footage revealed a brazen theft: three individuals stole a female horn shark from an open-access pool designed for visitor interaction. The suspects reportedly disguised the shark as a baby, concealing it within a stroller, before leaving the premises. The shark was safely returned to the aquarium two days later, according to a report by KSAT.
Despite the security breach, aquarium management initially decided against closing the touch pools, stating they would maintain the interactive exhibits. However, subsequent safety inspections revealed a multitude of hazards. In December 2018, the City of Leon Valley temporarily shut down the aquarium following a routine fire inspection. Inspectors identified unsecured propane tanks,risky electrical wiring,and other code violations,as detailed in KSAT’s coverage. The aquarium was permitted to reopen after addressing these issues.
The challenges continued into 2020, as the aquarium ran afoul of public health regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 21, 2020, the Leon Valley Police Department forced the aquarium to close for violating a local disaster declaration. Police reported that the aquarium was allowing patrons inside the building in direct contravention of the ordinance designed to limit public gatherings and slow the spread of the virus, as reported by KSAT.
The aquarium, owned by Vinik Family ventures, has faced ongoing legal disputes with the City of Leon Valley regarding its lease and operational compliance. The current legal battle centers around the city’s attempt to revoke the aquarium’s certificate of occupancy. The aquarium’s attorney, David Carrington, argues the city is unfairly targeting the business.the aquarium is currently located at 6330 Bandera Road, Leon Valley, TX 78238.
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