A protest will be held outside an aquarium to demand the release of two 80-year-old turtles.
Lulu and Gulliver, two green sea turtles, are housed at the Sea Life Centre in Brighton but campaigners are calling for their freedom.
Campaign group Close Sea Life will protest outside the centre in Marine Parade to try and secure their release but a Sea Life spokesman previously warned that Lulu does not have the “essential skills” to survive being released.
Campaigner Sarah Whitehead said: “Lulu was caught as a hatchling has never seen the ocean since. She and Gulliver swim aimlessly around a small tank to entertain the public.
“Surely Sea Life can do the decent thing and give Lulu and Gulliver their freedom, at least to a sanctuary in their natural waters. It's time to end the captivity and suffering of animals for humans to stare at.
“This is to educate people and tell them this isn’t right and to teach children compassion with animals.
Coinciding with Zoo Awareness Week, Close Sea Life will be protesting outside the centre tomorrow, Saturday, for the release of Lulu and Gulliver and the closure of the centre.
A Sea Life spokesman previously said that Lulu does not have the “essential skills” to survive in an open water sanctuary after being rescued 70 years ago.
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The spokesman said: “Each of our rescued animals is considered in its own unique condition and following expert and veterinary advice.
“The aim of any rescue of an animal is to release that animal back into the wild, however following veterinary and expert advice, sometimes this is not possible due to the nature of the animal’s condition.
“Sea Life rescues and releases over 50 injured or rescue turtles every year but sadly Lulu is not suitable for release into the wild or an open water sanctuary because she does not have the essential skills necessary to survive.
“Her rehoming came with strict welfare measures and medical checks, as well as a programme of enrichment.”
The centre added that all their animals are cared for “respectfully and ethically”.
Close Sea Life will protest outside the centre in Marine Parade on Saturday at noon.
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