— by Lin McNulty, Editor, Orcas Issues —
San Juan County Fairgoers were alarmed Thursday evening as turtles began raining from the skies.
When children were treated to a turtle and a plastic bag of water in a carnival game by the Fair’s concessionaire, Paradise Amusements, some children chose to celebrate their win by then tossing the turtles from the Zipper ride. The Zipper is an amusement ride that features strong vertical G-forces, numerous spins, and a noted sense of unpredictability.
Undersheriff Zac Reimer was at the Fair at the time and says he had no knowledge this was going on until folks started calling 911 to report it. Management from Paradise Amusements was then contacted by the Sheriff’s Office and instructed to cease the prize giveaway or be cited for violation of WAC 246-100-191, General Measures to Prevent Human Disease.
In a statement released on Friday, Dona Withnow, Parks and Fair Director, states: “The County will be working with Paradise Amusements to eliminate the use of live animals in their contracted activities with San Juan County Fair. The County has contracted with Paradise Amusements to provide carnival and rides for the County Fair for many years and hopes to continue the relationship in a way that meets our community’s expectations to the best of our ability.”
Paradise Amusements agreed to comply with the request and has since ceased the giveaway. It is unknown the number of turtles involved in the giveaway or in the ensuing turtle toss.
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Giving turtles away in a bag of water??! I thought that kind of thing had stopped in the 1950’s.
why in the world would children throw turtles from great heights to their certain deaths? does this seem like ok behavior?
shocked by this whole thing – on the part of paradise for doing these 1950s practices, and on the parts of the kids. it’s disturbing.
Paradise Amusements? What a misnomer. Clueless Amusements is more like it.
In all states, it is illegal to give baby turtles out as prizes. I suspect that taking legal action to stop this type of horrific situation from happening again would not be inappropriate.
Not only is this a cruel and illegal practice but also it poses an extreme health hazard. Turtles are known to carry salmonella. Paradise Amusements deserves more than an admonishment. I can’t even imagine why the county would risk any further dealings with this company.
Seriously, throwing live animals from a ride.
Way to go parents!
Good to know that sociopathic streak is taking root early in our island youth.