"We'd be open to contributing funds to keeping the bridge open," said PETA spokesperson Virginia Fort. The catch is that fishing must be banned from the bridge and the structure renamed the Sea Kitten Memorial Trail Bridge.

"Save the Sea Kitten" is a light-hearted campaign by PETA to change the perception of fish from food to friends.

PETA is not saying how much money it might contribute to preserve the former span of the Gandy Bridge, which for almost a decade served as a recreational trail before authorities closed it last fall, citing engineering reports that show the structure's underpinnings have deteriorated.

"Fish feel pain and suffering," Fort said. "There is no more acceptable reason to kill them because they aren't cute and cuddly."