Shocking moment teens are caught reeling in fish at AQWA aquarium at Hillarys in Perth
Two teenagers who filmed themselves fishing at a popular aquarium have been given a warning despite embarrassing staff and causing outrage online.
The duo shared a video on TikTok earlier this week showing them brazenly using large fishing rods to allegedly catch and steal fish from AQWA, Perth’s largest aquarium in the northern suburbs of Hillarys on Monday afternoon.
The teens reportedly tried to gain access to the pool between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. They fled after being caught by a staff member.
Western Australia police confirmed on Wednesday that the pair had been given youth sentences for trespassing and theft.
Catherine Buckley, chief executive of AQWA, said her “whole team” was “saddened” by the video, which showed the teenagers taking a bus to the aquarium and casting a line from a barrier at the centre’s outdoor play area.
“Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of the animals in our care and that of our many visitors,” said Ms Buckley The West.
‘Our goal is to educate and inspire the community about the wonders that populate our oceans and rivers.
‘The entire team and I were very shocked by the footage, but also concerned about the safety and well-being of the individuals seen in the video.’
Two teenagers (one pictured) were given youth sentences for trespassing and theft after filming themselves fishing at the AQWA aquarium in Perth
The aquarium has taken extra security measures since the teens were captured, but it has not disclosed what kind of animals they captured.
AQWA is known for its walk-through underwater tunnel and interactive touch pool featuring marine life from Western Australia, including turtles, stingrays, fish, starfish and sharks.
It opened in 1988 and has since become one of the major tourist attractions in Perth’s north.