Leading Up to Moby Dicks Rescue

A Plea for Sanctuary:

From John Russell of  http://www.ecostation.org to Lisa  the owner of the Big Fish

for our fishy friend MOBY DICK

Dear Tory:

My name is Lisa. My family and myself were directed to you as a 'last resort' in our attempt to save our vegetarian pet Pacu Pirahna from an untimley demise. My son purchsed this 5-inch fishy a few years ago w/o doing his research. 'MOBY DICK' has now grown to be a two and a half foot behemoth. We are desperately attempting to find a new home for Moby, who is confined to an inadequate 85 gallon glass tank.
We cannot afford a larger tank and a modest upgrade would still not solve the problem. As I now know he is a breed that continues to grow to its environment. Sadly, he is barely able to move to turn around without great effort.

We have done what we can do to make him comfortable, but it is a battle we are quickly losing. I have researched online for a possible new home for Moby-contracted all -to no avail. We live here in the San Fernando Valley, and have even considered releasing him in a local lake. The thought of out pet having just one more 'happey swim' before perishing is enticing. BUT-we are aware it is not only illegal, but ecologically and morally wrong. I have enjoyed your website, and seen that you have taken in all sorts of orphaned animals. We would be willing to make a monthly donation, knowing that your loving organization is largely volunteer.

One last thing.... Moby is a fish with a huge personality. Who knew? And to think I was taught to believe fish were neurologically unfeeling, with a pea-sized brain. Boy! is that a misconception. He is extremely social. He has a fishy love affair going on with my grown daughter (he picks favorites). He enjoys being loved and petted. He moves up close to my daughter and begs for physical attention.

He wiggles and giggles (Okay, maybe giggles is an exaggeration'). He most definitely responds to his name, and differently to each of us. We hand-feed him special treats. He's gentle and never bites. We have always had a variety of pets. He is no less interactive and loving in his own way.

We love him and hope you might find a way to help us. Thank you for the generous work you do and your kind consideration.

Sincerly
Lisa

Tony's Responsed:

Hi Lisa. We are working on a solution. Unfortunately we don't have an easy one. I have spoken to our aquarist and he has a client in mind that many be able to take him on. If not, he is going to see if it is feasible to switch around some of our current fish to make the space. I will touch base with you in a few days as soon as I hear more. We will do our best to help Moby out!

Tony Russell
STAR Eco Station
310-842-8060
Tory@starinc.org
www.ecostation.org

This email conversation transpired in May of 2012. So the race was on for some space. Next Sue contacted Randy De Troit and the rest is history.