Tables Turned: PETA Tells Kraken to Stop Hooking Fish After Bear Scare

For Immediate Release:
August 7, 2025

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

In response to a now-viral video showing the Seattle Kraken mascot, Buoy, being charged at by a grizzly bear while fishing in Alaska, PETA sent a letter today to Seattle Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke, encouraging the team to bench their rods and leave fish in peace now that they know what it’s like to nearly be on the menu.

In the letter, PETA points out that a recent study confirms that fish endure intense pain for over 20 minutes when they’re taken from the water and left to slowly asphyxiate. And even when they’re tossed back, they have been mutilated, traumatized, and many die from their injuries.

“Just like Buoy, fish feel pain and fear and value their lives, yet they’re impaled, dragged from the water, and terrorized as they’re left to slowly suffer and die,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “Sports should only involve willing participants, and PETA is encouraging the Kraken to get crackin’ on kinder habits and send fishing to the penalty box.”

Each person who goes vegan spares nearly 200 animals—including aquatic ones—every year, dramatically shrinks their carbon footprint, and avoids ingesting the many toxic chemicals found in the flesh of fish, including mercury, lead, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PETA’s free vegan starter kit can help those looking to make the switch.

PETA’s letter to Leiweke follows.

August 7, 2025

Tod Leiweke, CEO

The Seattle Kraken

Dear Mr. Leiweke:

Greetings! I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—PETA entities have more than 10.4 million members and supporters globally, including many thousands across Washington—with a suggestion we think the Seattle Kraken might be especially well-positioned to appreciate right now: In light of your mascot’s recent experience of being “hunted” by a grizzly bear in Alaska, this would be the perfect time for your team to bench their fishing rods for good. Like Buoy, fish don’t want to end up being food or a plaything for anyone else. Moving forward, the team could consider equally adventurous but animal-friendly activities like “trash fishing”—a great way to clean up waterways and reel in some good karma.

Buoy has wisely advised fans on Instagram to “always respect wildlife in their natural habitat,” but fishing sends the opposite message—one that says it’s OK to injure or kill animals. A recent study shows that fish gasp and endure intense pain for over 20 minutes after being taken out of water—and even when they’re tossed back, they have been mutilated. In fact, fish who are released after they’re hooked often die slowly from their injuries and the trauma of being handled. Imagine having a hook through your mouth, then having it yanked out, and being released. Hardly harmless.

We’re not trolling. A most compelling reason to stick to trash fishing is that fish—like you, me, and all other animals—have distinct personalities and experience fear, pain, and affection. Studies show that fish can recognize themselves in mirrors and photographs, are self-aware, and communicate with each other using complex sounds. Let’s face it: The team has a shot to send a kind message to fans that every fish is an individual who deserves to be saved and treated with kindness.

Just as a grizzly bear decided to keep Buoy off his plate that day in Alaska, we hope your team will keep fish and other animals off theirs. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid Newkirk

Founder