The Bed-Stuy Goldfish Pond, a makeshift habitat created near a leaky fire hydrant in Brooklyn, has sparked a heated debate in the community. Advocates are pushing for the pond to be made permanent, launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the cause. With over $1,100 raised towards a $2,500 goal, the organizers aim to improve the habitat for the goldfish and provide necessary resources for their survival through different seasons.
The initiative has garnered attention and support from residents, with some viewing it as a unique and charming addition to the neighborhood. Laura Dexter, a Bed-Stuy resident, expressed her appreciation for the makeshift pond, highlighting that it brings a touch of nature to the urban environment. The community has embraced the project, with neighbors taking turns to care for the fish and ensure their well-being.
Je-Quan Irving and his friends are credited with transforming the mundane patch of wet dirt into a thriving fish habitat. Irving’s idea to create the pond came to fruition with a small investment in goldfish from a local pet store. The pond quickly gained popularity online, attracting visitors and admirers from far and wide.
While the goldfish pond has captured the hearts of many, concerns have been raised about the welfare of the fish. Veterinarian Julius Tepper emphasized the risks associated with keeping goldfish in a shallow, outdoor pond, including pollution, predators, and water quality issues. Despite these challenges, Irving defended his project, asserting that it is not animal abuse and that he has a plan in place to relocate the fish to children in the community when necessary.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has intervened in the situation, expressing safety concerns about tampering with fire hydrants. While acknowledging the community’s love for the goldfish, the DEP emphasized the importance of finding a more suitable home for the fish than a sidewalk pond. As the debate continues, residents and supporters remain hopeful that a solution can be reached to ensure the well-being of the goldfish while preserving the charm of the Bed-Stuy Goldfish Pond.
