Two teenagers who filmed themselves fishing at a popular aquarium have been cleared with a warning despite causing distress to staff and outrage online.
The pair 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 teenagers are known to have trespassed at the pool between 4:30pm and 5pm and fled the scene after being caught by a staff member.
Western Australian police confirmed on Wednesday that the pair had been issued with juvenile cautions for trespassing and theft.
AQWA chief executive Catherine Buckley said her “whole team” was “distraught” by the video, which showed teenagers taking a bus to the aquarium and throwing their catch from a barrier near the centre’s outdoor playground.
“Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of the animals in our care and that of our many visitors,” Ms Buckley said. The West.
‘Our goal is to educate and inspire the community about the wonders that inhabit our oceans and rivers.
‘The entire team and I were deeply distressed by the sight and equally concerned for the safety and well-being of the people featured in the video.’
A pair of teenagers (one pictured) have been issued with juvenile warnings for trespassing and theft after they filmed themselves fishing at Perth’s AQWA aquarium.
The aquarium has taken extra security measures since the teens were captured, but did not confirm what type of animals they captured.
AQWA is known for its walk-through underwater tunnel and interactive touch pool showcasing Western Australia’s marine life including turtles, rays, fish, starfish and sharks.
It opened in 1988 and has established itself as one of North Perth’s major tourist attractions.