defies any sane explanation. Such an event took place this week at the Bermuda Aquarium when someone, and we suspect it was more than one person, subjected the Green Turtles in the pool near Flatts Bridge to a barrage of rocks, concrete block chips and reinforcement rods; heavy artillery by anyone's standards.

Why? Wanton destruction and senseless behaviour. In fact, an outrage to anyone in Bermuda.

As a spokesperson for the Aquarium and Zoo has been quoted as saying: "We are truly astounded by this sort of cruelty and are interested in hearing from anyone who might have information regarding this incident. Never in the history of this exhibit have these animals been subject to this type of public malice.'' The exhibit is close to the road and somewhat outside the confines of the Aquarium. Officials at the Aquarium like the idea of the interaction between the public and the turtle pond outside opening hours of the Aquarium. We do not think any reasonable person would have considered that the turtles might be attacked in this mindless way. If the turtles now have to be moved inside the protection of the Aquarium it would be a great shame. It is not unusual to see people who are waiting for the bus enjoying a look at the turtles.

Bermudians and visitors alike enjoy most things to do with the sea.

The Aquarium and Zoo is Bermuda's most patronised visitor attraction by far and it deserves to be. However it is a good deal more than that. It is a great attraction for Bermudians, especially those with children who never seem to tire of looking at the fish, the animals and the other exhibits.

In recent years a great deal of effort has gone into making the Flatts attraction better and better. The staff has worked hard and so have any number of volunteers. Large sums of money have been raised from companies and individuals for improvements to the exhibits, especially the dramatic new shark tank.

The Aquarium has also gone to great lengths to open itself to the public more and more. Many people have gone there and enjoyed both fundraising events and private parties.

This is a top facility and one of which all Bermudians can be proud. It is well run, interesting and up-to-date. It must be very discouraging to both staff and private supporters when someone maliciously and wantonly attacks a pond full of endangered Green Turtles.

We can only join the Aquarium spokesperson in urging anyone who knows about this cruel act to call the Aquarium or the Police. An institution as important to Bermuda as the Aquarium deserves the public's support and protection.