THE SeaQuarium attraction in Rhyl is to close for good as of later today (November 27).

Based on the town’s seafront, the SeaQuarium had been established in Rhyl for beyond 30 years, welcomed in excess of 80,000 visitors each year, and employed more than 20 people.

Earlier this year, the attraction said it feared closure due to the impact of the Central Rhyl Coastal Defences Scheme on its animals.

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In a statement today, the SeaQuarium attributed its closure to the coastal works.

SeaQuarium said: “It is with a heavy heart that we bring you the news that the SeaQuarium will be permanently closing its doors as of 4pm on November 27.

“This decision comes as a result of the ongoing coastal sea defence work on Rhyl Promenade.

“The noise, disruptions and vibrations from coastal defence works has and will continue to impact the welfare of our animals to the point where we believe it is in the interest of their welfare if we rehome them.

“While we are saddened by this closure, unfortunately we have no other options. We are fully committed to working with Denbighshire County Council to ensuring the wellbeing of our beloved seals and marine animals.

“It is of the utmost importance to us as we now go about finding them new homes.”

SeaQuarium added that some of its animals have already been offered new homes within other aquariums and zoos throughout the UK.

This transition will be carefully co-ordinated to minimise the disruption to their lives, it said.

It has also pledged to support its staff through their redundancies processes.

SeaQuarium added: “Their (staff’s) dedication and passion for the SeaQuarium has been invaluable, and we extend our gratitude for their tireless efforts over the past 30 years.

“We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the local community and beyond for the unwavering support you have shown us throughout our years of operation.

“It is because of your enthusiasm, loyalty, and love for marine life that the SeaQuarium has thrived for over three decades.

“We are incredibly humbled and grateful for the memories we have shared, the educational experiences we have provided, and the connections we have fostered.

“The memories will forever echo in our hearts, and we hope that you will carry them with you as we embark on new adventures.”

The attraction’s owners previously said they believed the coastal work would have a harmful impact on hearing, and induce a chronic stress response from seals with behavioural and physical welfare issues.

Denbighshire County Council had said it was working on the advice of an independent animal welfare expert, appointed by both sides, in relation to the delivery of these works and the impact on the seals.

The council had hoped the project could be delivered without the seals needing to be moved as the animal welfare expert advised that the animals could acclimatise to a gradual increase in the noise and vibration levels as the project developed.

In August, a council spokesperson said: “This flood defence project is essential to protect homes, seafront and town centre businesses, and the tourist economy from future flooding events.

“If this work is not completed, around 600 homes and businesses will continue to be at risk from coastal flooding in central Rhyl.

“A coastal flood event would have a devastating impact for the people of Rhyl and on the economy of the town.

“The council has already sourced an alternative facility, and SeaQuarium could have done this at any time.”

Last week, SeaQuarium had offered 150 free tickets to Rhyl’s homeless and underprivileged residents.

It had also been offering discounted entry to those with a “LL” postcode for several weeks.