UNCW police investigating after animals found mutilated and killed

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – Vandals killed or mutilated fish used for educational purposes at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science.

According to University Police’s daily crime log, it happened on July 14, but wasn’t reported until July 29. The fish were in areas used for public tours and student education.

A UNCW school spokesperson says a sea star (starfish) went missing in early July, but there’s no way to know how this happened. A red drum fish was transferred from one tank to another and another fish ate the red drum. A sea star’s legs were removed, which resulted in an increase of ammonia in the tank, which led to the death of 2 sea urchins.

This is considered vandalism because the fish involved are state property.