Seahorse World — Attraction in Beauty Point

Learning about seahorses is interesting - however, I unfortunately cannot give a full star rating. I have read the lower star ratings and understand the owner does reply to these. I hope that people’s concerns in the reviews can drive a change and awareness. We are not attempting to share any malice, we solely want to encourage the humane treatment of animals.

My concern is for the octopi in the tank area. I passionately disagree with capturing wild octopi and putting them in tanks to be viewed by humans. Unfortunately - I have done research, and Tasmania does not have an animal protection law that covers these animals. Only some states in Australia have an animal protection law that covers crustaceans, octopus, etc. If anyone else feels similar about this issue, you can petition to your state government for law changes which I do encourage or check the RSPCA website.

There has been extensive research and discoveries around the sentience of octopi and similar creatures. There is evidence that they are aware and intelligent. To see an octopus trapped in a small tank after being lured from the ocean into a trap was extremely upsetting. During the seahorses being held, this also impacted me and I refused to participate - because they are not supposed to be played with or disrespected in this manner. To take them out of the water in this manner is not appropriate.

I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness during my visit. Up to this day I still think about the animals here and I visited this location over six months ago now.

At the time of my visit, I just could not fathom how the people around me were so unaware … going about their day, and not even thinking about these animals and how they must be feeling. We should leave these creatures in the ocean to be free. We should respect creatures. It is a disgusting form of capitalism and commercialism displaying creatures in a tank that do not need to be in a tank or holding ocean creatures multiple times a day. I do not mean this in a disrespectful way, but I feel someone needs to stand up for these animals and their rights. It is understandable to have rescue animals that you take care of and I recognise that. Please keep up that work instead and do not bring in outside animals to leave them to have a life in a cage. All for a form of “human” entertainment. Thank you.

And to clarify, I am not in disagreement with the seahorse farm because they have a purpose. My disagreements are listed above in regards to the treatment...

What an unusual experience was our afternoon at Seahorse World.

We were introduced to some majestic looking creatures; swimming in empty, tiny enclosures whilst a rambling man spoke about the bulk pricing of Seahorses on offer and how there had only been 5,000 sold last year, which had been disappointing. Although, if the thought of owning one of these beautiful creatures sounds intriguing to you - fear not! Currently there is a buy one get one free offer on seahorses being bred for mass sales to entice even the most skeptical of prospective buyers.

Sure enough, there were facts about seahorses and how brilliant they are and how well treated and respected they were at the misleadingly named ‘Seahorse World’. The juxtaposition of what was being said with the actual conditions would be brilliant if it weren’t so sad to behold.

To top everything off — a huge selection of other marine life were found in tiny enclosures just beyond the seahorse area. At least there’s equal opportunity for all creatures, big and small to live in barren tanks to be gawked at by visitors who — as said by the guide — regularly try and lean and and grab them to remove them from enclosures. I wonder if this is in a hope saving them from their cruel fate, or something else entirely.

Too long to read? Go somewhere ethical that treats marine life with respect and at least tries to mirror the habitats of the creatures they have. As the owner has already stated, Seahorse World is a farm. If they truly want this to be transparent and to avoid reviews like this, it might be time to change the name to Seahorse Farming Warehouse and the tagline of the business to “mass producing seahorses in unethical conditions for your...

It is clear they are trying their best during hard times. But if you are against seeing wild animals in tiny, boring enclosures, don't go here. I left feeling sad.

It feels wrong to see thousands of seahorses in tanks filled with just water all swimming on top of each other. I don't know what I was expecting, but I wasn't expecting what I saw. Be aware that it is a farm, not a large aquarium.

They are such beautiful seahorses which is a credit to the owners. This was the highlight. Seeing these incredible creatures and without this business I would never have been able to.

The seahorses are so inquisitive about humans. But you feel pain knowing that is the extent of their existence. Swimming up and down a small tank, being stared at by us. Maybe to be sold to another tank across the world one day.

I'm glad that the seahorses are no longer used for Chinese medicine because that sounds even worse.

At the end of the tour you can hold a seahorse which I did not want to take part in. I felt sorry to see a seahorse being taken out of the water. I hope they use a different seahorse all the time, because imagine being the one seahorse that gets ripped out of the water every few minutes for people to handle.

It felt like stepping back in time and like the place could use an overhaul. But I imagine money is the drawback with seahorses being such a rare, unique business it doesn't come with huge income.

Positives would be great staff and absolutely beautiful creatures to see up close loved that part of it. It's family owned which is great to see too. Families, kids and groups of people with disabilities looked like they were very much enjoying their visit. Which was...