Great White Shark In Captivity Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a well-known destination for marine lovers, featuring a diverse range of sea creatures from all over the world. One of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium is the Great White Shark exhibit, where visitors can witness these majestic creatures up close and personal.
History of the Great White Shark exhibit
The Great White Shark exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium opened in 2004, and it was the first time a Great White Shark had been kept in captivity for more than 16 days. The aquarium worked closely with researchers, scientists, and animal welfare groups to ensure the exhibit was safe and ethical.
The Great White Shark exhibit is not just for entertainment purposes; it also serves as a research facility for scientists to study the behavior and physiology of these magnificent creatures. The aquarium also uses the exhibit to educate the public about the importance of protecting the ocean and its inhabitants.
The Great White Shark in captivity controversy
While the Great White Shark exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium has been successful in terms of research and education, it has also been subject to controversy. Some people argue that keeping a Great White Shark in captivity is cruel and goes against the natural order of things.
However, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has gone to great lengths to ensure that the exhibit is as humane as possible. The aquarium only keeps sharks that have been accidentally caught by fishermen or injured in the wild and cannot survive on their own.
The Great White Shark exhibit: what to expect
Visitors to the Great White Shark exhibit can expect to see a fully grown female Great White Shark named "Submarine." Submarine was caught accidentally by a fisherman off the coast of Southern California and was brought to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for rehabilitation.
The exhibit is designed to mimic the natural environment of the Great White Shark, with a 90-foot-long tank that holds over a million gallons of seawater. Visitors can watch Submarine swim through the tank, interact with other marine life, and even see her being fed.
The importance of the Great White Shark exhibit
The Great White Shark exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is not just a tourist attraction; it plays an important role in marine research and conservation efforts. The aquarium uses the exhibit to educate the public about the importance of protecting the ocean and its inhabitants, including the Great White Shark.
Through the exhibit, visitors can learn about the behavior and physiology of Great White Sharks, as well as the threats they face in the wild, such as overfishing and habitat destruction. By raising awareness about these issues, the aquarium hopes to inspire people to take action to protect the ocean and its inhabitants.
Conclusion
The Great White Shark exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. While there may be controversy surrounding the ethics of keeping a Great White Shark in captivity, the aquarium has taken great care to ensure that the exhibit is as humane as possible and serves an important purpose in marine research and conservation efforts.
