New Adelaide Nightclub Responds To Protests Of Having Live Sharks Inside Venue

A representative from soon-to-be launched Adelaide nightclub Atlantis Lounge has issued a response in regards to management's plans to feature two live hammerhead sharks in a large tank inside the venue, after thousands slammed the move as animal cruelty.

Following the launch of a Change.org petition which has garnered nearly 40,000 signatures, the Atlantis Lounge has assured that no protected marine species will be used in the nightclub.

"We want to firmly state that no protected marine species of any kind will be used in our aquarium and they will not exceed reasonable length or weight - as per The Department of Primary Industries & Regions of South Australia guidelines," a statement given exclusively to theMusic read.

"We are also in consultation with various animal groups, local authorities and local government to assure we adhere with state and federal laws."

The nightclub's response comes on the back of a statement from Adelaide City Council who told theMusic last week that a development application process would need to be undertaken by venue management in order to gain approval for the sharks to feature in the aquarium and as yet, no approval has been sorted.

As well as having a 25,000 litre aquarium inside the multi-million dollar venue, other elaborate plans management hope to feature in the venue include a 2.5m champagne fountain, acrobats, a gold plated toilets, an onyx wall, the "world’s largest" Agate bar worth more than $450,000, a chauffeur service and champagne bottles priced up to $100,000.

It has been reported that the Atlantis Lounge opens early March.