Save the fire hydrant goldfish! Community rallies to restore the ‘Brooklyn Aquarium’

August 28, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — THE CONTROVERSIAL GOLDFISH POND IN BED-STUY is gaining traction on Gofundme, with local residents’ donations reaching above $3,000 as of press time Wednesday, Aug. 28. The Brooklyn Eagle and other news agencies have widely reported the stark disagreement between veterinarians, city officials and the pond’s advocates. Dr. Benjamin Rosenbloom of Wet Pet Vet told the New York Post that the pond near Tompkins Ave. and Hancock St. constituted animal cruelty, as water that seeps into the pond is chlorinated and thus toxic to the fish.

Although the pond had been destroyed overnight, social media users lamented the idiosyncratic neighborhood feature’s demise. Stalwarts restored the goldfish pond on Tuesday, and the community is organizing a fish adoption event for local kids, according to FOX5.

The organizer of the Gofundme fundraiser, Gavs Fish Pond, says on his site, “Trying to help build a better habitat for the fish to thrive and also funds for food and an outside ventilation system for them so they can survive through the seasons so the community can continue to enjoy the beauty of nature.” He continued, “We appreciate all and any support we can get to help the fire hydrant goldfish.”

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