Great White Shark In Aquarium Uk
Introduction
Great white sharks are one of the most feared and fascinating creatures in the world. They are known for their size, strength, and razor-sharp teeth. In recent years, aquariums around the world have been showcasing these amazing animals in their exhibits. One such aquarium is located in the UK.
History of Great White Sharks in Aquariums
Great white sharks have been kept in captivity since the 1950s, but it wasn't until the 1980s that they started to be exhibited in aquariums. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California was the first to successfully exhibit a great white shark in 2004. Since then, many other aquariums around the world have followed suit.
The UK's Great White Shark Exhibit
The UK's great white shark exhibit is located at the Sea Life London Aquarium. It opened in 2009 and has been a popular attraction ever since. The exhibit features a 3.8 million liter tank that is home to several marine animals, including two great white sharks.
The Great White Sharks
The two great white sharks in the exhibit are named Anne and Rocky. Anne is a female shark who was caught off the coast of Cornwall in 2014. Rocky is a male shark who was caught off the coast of southern Australia in 2013. Both sharks were caught by fishermen and were deemed unsuitable for release back into the wild.
The Tank
The tank at the Sea Life London Aquarium is one of the largest in Europe. It measures 40 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 5 meters deep. The tank is filled with 3.8 million liters of water and is home to several marine animals besides the great white sharks, including rays, turtles, and smaller fish.
The Feeding
The great white sharks at the Sea Life London Aquarium are fed once a week. They are fed a diet of mackerel, salmon, and herring. The feeding is done by a team of divers who enter the tank and hand-feed the sharks.
The Education
The great white shark exhibit at the Sea Life London Aquarium is not just about entertainment. It is also about education. The exhibit teaches visitors about the behavior and biology of great white sharks and the importance of shark conservation.
The Controversy
Despite the popularity of the great white shark exhibit at the Sea Life London Aquarium, it has not been without controversy. Animal rights activists have criticized the exhibit, saying that it is cruel to keep great white sharks in captivity. They argue that the sharks should be released back into the wild.
The Future of Great White Sharks in Aquariums
The debate over whether great white sharks should be kept in captivity will likely continue. However, aquariums around the world will continue to showcase these amazing animals in their exhibits. As long as people are fascinated by great white sharks, there will be a demand for them in aquariums.
Conclusion
The great white shark exhibit at the Sea Life London Aquarium is a fascinating and educational attraction. It showcases two amazing animals that are both feared and respected around the world. While there may be controversy surrounding the exhibit, it is clear that great white sharks will continue to be a popular attraction in aquariums for years to come.