Great White Shark Captivity Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular attraction located in Monterey, California. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including several species of sharks. One of the most well-known sharks at the aquarium is the Great White Shark.
History of Great White Shark Captivity
The Monterey Bay Aquarium first attempted to keep a Great White Shark in captivity in 1984. The shark, a female named "Monterey," was captured off the coast of Southern California and transported to the aquarium. Unfortunately, Monterey died after just 10 days in captivity.
Since then, the aquarium has attempted to keep several other Great White Sharks in captivity, but none have survived for very long. In 2004, the aquarium attempted to keep a juvenile Great White Shark, but it died after just 11 days.
The Controversy Surrounding Great White Shark Captivity
The Monterey Bay Aquarium's attempts to keep Great White Sharks in captivity have been met with controversy over the years. Many animal rights activists argue that keeping these apex predators in captivity is cruel and inhumane. The sharks are used to swimming great distances in the open ocean, and captivity can cause them significant stress and health problems.
Additionally, Great White Sharks are difficult to keep in captivity. They require large tanks with plenty of space to swim, and they have a high metabolism, which means they need a constant supply of food. The aquarium has struggled to provide adequate living conditions for these sharks, which has contributed to their short lifespans in captivity.
The Future of Great White Shark Captivity at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
As of now, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has no plans to attempt to keep another Great White Shark in captivity. The aquarium has shifted its focus to other species of sharks, such as the Hammerhead and the Leopard Shark, which are better suited to captivity.
Overall, while the Monterey Bay Aquarium's attempts to keep Great White Sharks in captivity have been controversial, they have also provided valuable insights into the behavior and biology of these fascinating creatures. It is important for us to continue learning about these apex predators and their role in our oceans, but we must also ensure that our methods of studying them are ethical and humane.
