Minding Nemo: Vlogger Finds Fatal Flaws at China’s Aquariums
A social media influencer has been touring aquatic attractions throughout China, revealing serious issues with water quality, staff expertise, and misleading information. After examining dozens of aquariums across the country, vlogger Wu Zhuolin concluded that the nation’s fish are struggling in captivity.
Nationwide Aquarium Investigations
Wu, a lifelong enthusiast of marine life, started his aquarium journey in late 2023. After each stop, he uploads a short social media video evaluating the strengths and failures of each facility. His findings frequently highlight troubling issues:
- Large marine species confined to tanks far too small.
- Overfeeding by staff or visitors, often causing severe bloating and death.
- Fish bearing artificial tattoos to make them visually appealing.
Online Reactions and Industry Scale
Wu now has about one million followers, many voicing dismay at the poor standards revealed in his reports. China currently hosts around 300 aquariums, and roughly 60% of them were constructed after 2010.
From Education to Entertainment
Originally, aquariums were established for scientific study and public education. Over time, however, many shifted toward commercial entertainment as cities sought new tourism opportunities.
“Most of the problems plaguing China’s aquariums can be traced to the industry’s overly rapid development,” says Shi Zhe, founder of the Asian Academy of Aquarium Technology, a Chinese NGO uniting researchers, academics, and professionals.
Author’s Summary
The vlogger Wu Zhuolin reveals that China’s rapidly expanding aquarium industry suffers from rushed development, poor care practices, and misplaced commercial priorities.