Didn’t Realize Your New Koi Can Live to 80? Call Fish Rescue

Koi fish, a variety of carp bred it Japan, are popular for their bright colors and beautiful patterns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people began looking for ways to brighten up their homes and turned to installing koi ponds, but one thing many didn’t know; koi fish can grow up to two feet, weigh as much as 25 pounds, and have a life span from 30-80 years.

As the pandemic continues to subside, Koi Rescues have increased as people abandon their ponds. A common reason is owners are passing away or moving into assisted living where they are unable to bring their beloved fish. 

Tabb Lemons, a happy adopter of such a fish, received a message about a koi whose owner passed away. The fish was left with a caretaker while they searched for a new home. “We named it Helen, for the lady who died.” Kevin Varilek, who runs Lehigh Valley Koi Rescue with his wife advises adopters to put the fish into their wills, just like they would a parrot due to their long lifespan.

For more information see Kathryn Dill “Didn’t Realize Your New Koi Can Live to 80? Call Fish Rescue”, The Wall Street Journal, October 13, 2022.

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/trusts_estates_prof/2022/10/didnt-realize-your-new-koi-can-live-to-80-call-fish-rescue.html