Last week a “pond of goldfish” appeared in a pond near a fire hydrantin the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn.
Now, a group of people are looking to make the place permanent and have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help make it happen.
More than $1,000 had been raised as of Tuesday morning after reaching their goal of $2,500. But what is the reason?
According to the organizers: “We try to help build a better habitat for the fish to thrive and also money for food and an outdoor ventilation system so they can last through the seasons, until the the community can continue to enjoy the beauty of nature. “appreciate all the support we can get to help the fish.”
The page says all profits will go to “help improve the pond.” The fact that it is treated as “lunch” has just created a movement in the community (some call it “bobo”, others love it) and people are coming forward.
“We don’t have an aquarium, so this is the best we can get,” Bed-Stuy resident Laura Dexter said Thursday.
The mobile animal home is on the corner of Tompkins Avenue and Hancock Street it went viral on the internet.
“Everybody takes turns,” explained neighbor Ken Garner. “Did you feed the fish? Did you check on them?”
It’s up to Je-Quan Irving and his friends to turn what would normally be an area of forgotten wetlands into a home for fish and an attraction, as Hell Gate originally described.
Irving said the idea came to him about a week ago; for $16 at the local pet store he got about 100 goldfish.
“It’s a novelty, it makes people feel good. What’s the harm in it?” said Dexter.
Goldfish are very hardy, but there are many dangers in keeping them in the shallow pond, said veterinarian Julius Tepper, who runs the Long Island Fish Hospital.
“There are problems with pollution that can be a problem. There are problems with birds of prey,” said Dr. Tepper.
In addition, there is a problem with water supply. The News 4 camera was rolling when Department of Environmental Protection crews arrived Thursday night to put out the leaking fire hydrant. Irving said at least one person has already collected dozens of goldfish as word spread online among residents concerned about the fish’s welfare.
“There’s a chance they could survive, although it’s not a very good habitat,” said Dr Tepper.
Irving supported their community pet project.
“This is 100 percent not animal abuse,” he said.
About an hour after the DEP crews left, the ground quickly absorbed water, leaving the goldfish with little room to swim. Irving returned to open the valve and keep the goldfish alive. Irving says the so-called Bed-Stuy Aquarium has a Plan B.
“As soon as the temperature starts to change and everything changes, we take them out and give them to the kids in the community,” he said.
A spokesperson said Friday that the agency still has safety concerns about disturbing the hydrants.
“We love goldfish, too, but we know there’s a better home for them than on a sidewalk,” the DEP said.
2024-08-13 14:51:18
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