The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is one of the most popular aquariums in the world. It is home to a variety of marine life, including the great white shark. In 2011, the aquarium made headlines when it successfully displayed a great white shark for the first time in its history.
The Arrival
The great white shark arrived at the aquarium in August 2011. It was a juvenile male, measuring around 4 feet long and weighing approximately 35 pounds. The shark was caught off the coast of Southern California by a commercial fisherman who was participating in a research program.
The Tank
The great white shark was housed in a special exhibit at the aquarium called the "Open Sea." The exhibit is one of the largest in the world, holding over one million gallons of water. The tank was specifically designed to replicate the shark's natural habitat, with deep blue water and a rocky ocean floor.
The Feeding
Feeding a great white shark in captivity is a difficult task. The aquarium staff had to carefully observe the shark's behavior and adjust its feeding schedule accordingly. The shark was given a diet of squid, salmon, and mackerel, which were fed to it through a special feeding tube.
The Reaction
The arrival of the great white shark at the Monterey Bay Aquarium generated a lot of attention from the media and the public. Many people were impressed by the aquarium's ability to successfully display such a fearsome creature, while others were concerned about the welfare of the shark in captivity.
The Research
The great white shark exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium was not just for entertainment purposes. It was also a valuable tool for research. The aquarium staff were able to study the shark's behavior and learn more about its unique characteristics. This information could be used to help protect great white sharks in the wild.
The Release
After 55 days on display, the great white shark was released back into the wild. The release was carefully planned to ensure that the shark would be able to survive on its own. The aquarium staff tagged the shark with a satellite tracking device so they could monitor its movements.
The Legacy
The great white shark exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium was a groundbreaking achievement. It demonstrated the aquarium's commitment to education, conservation, and research. The exhibit also helped to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding great white sharks.
The Impact
The great white shark exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium had a significant impact on the public's perception of sharks. It helped to promote the idea that sharks are not mindless killing machines, but rather intelligent and important members of the ocean ecosystem. The exhibit also helped to raise awareness about the threats facing sharks in the wild.
The Future
The great white shark exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium was just the beginning. The aquarium continues to be a leader in marine conservation and research. It is committed to educating the public about the importance of protecting the ocean and the creatures that live in it.
Conclusion
The Monterey Bay Aquarium's great white shark exhibit was a historic event that captured the attention of people around the world. It was a testament to the aquarium's dedication to education, conservation, and research. The exhibit helped to change the way people think about sharks, and it will continue to have a lasting impact on marine conservation efforts for years to come.
Related video of Monterey Bay Aquarium Great White Shark 2011
