In Brooklyn, a viral hydrant-puddle fish pond was vandalized on Monday night, leaving residents and activists shocked and searching for answers. The pond, located at Tompkins Avenue and Hancock Street, was made in a 2-inch sidewalk tree pit filled with water from a leaky hydrant and quickly gained interested visitors. However, the vandal or vandals destroyed decorations, killed approximately five fish, and left the pond in disarray, leading to concerns about the well-being of the remaining fish.
Devang Shah, a block resident, discovered the destruction as it happened and described the scene as beat up and messy, with shells scattered everywhere. He buried the fish that died and is working towards expanding the pond and turning it into a landmark. Shah and the pond’s creators are actively fundraising $5,000 through GoFundMe to get a filtration system and ensure the fish can survive in the pond through the winter. However, some believe it would be best to relocate the fish to more suitable conditions, as the veterinarian Ben Rosenbloom referred to the project as animal cruelty.
Neighborhood residents Emily Campbell and Max David previously rescued around 30 fish from the pond with the intention of finding them a new home with better living conditions. Campbell expressed disappointment in the vandalism, stating that no one she knows would have approved of such destructive behavior. Despite the setback, co-creator Hajj Malik Lovick remained undeterred and was on site by daybreak to clean up the mess caused by the vandals. Lovick’s aunt, also involved in the project, joined in rebuilding the pond, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the community project.
Despite having two surveillance cameras in front of the pond, Lovick was informed that they were not working at the time of the vandalism. However, he remains focused on ensuring the pond’s well-being and is determined to continue with the project. The pond’s creators have plans for future events, including a school supplies and backpack giveaway and a “goldfish adoption” event. Additionally, they aim to install plexiglass and solar panels to create a more permanent structure for the pond in the upcoming months. Shah views the project as a form of magic in the city, offering a unique and interactive experience for residents and visitors alike.
