AusLeisure

The world’s first adult great white shark to ever go on display in an aquarium has died after just three days on display.

The 3.5 metre shark, accidentally captured in a net off the coast of the Japanese island of Okinawa, on 4th January, was taken to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium the following day. Keepers at the aquarium say the shark hadn’t eaten since its arrival and was having to be taught to swim inside its tank without bumping into the walls.

The aquarium said the male shark had adjusted to its tank after several days “but its condition took a sudden turn for the worse early this morning (8th January)”.

After having difficulty swimming, the shark was removed from the tank to be treated by the aquarium’s veterinarians.

Keeping a great white shark in captivity is extremely challenging because the fish needs to keep swimming constantly to get oxygen and maintain its body temperature.

Attempts to house white pointer sharks in aquariums in the past have only had limited success at best. In August 1981 a great white spent 16 days at SeaWorld San Diego in California, USA before being released.

In 1984, California’s Monterrey Aquarium tried to house a great white for its opening, but the animal died after just 10 days.

In 2003, the Monterrey Aquarium tried to capture a shark again but were forced to release it after five days when it wouldn’t feed.

In September 2004 the aquarium successfully put a great white on exhibit, keeping a young female in captivity for 198 days before releasing her and then again in 2006 with a juvenile male remaining at the aquarium for 137 days. 

A spokesperson for Okinawa Churaumi said the aquarium is still investigating the cause of death. 

3rd November 2015 - SWIMMING WITH HUMPBACK WHALES TO BE TRIALLED AT NINGALOO MARINE PARK

22nd May 2015 - JAPANESE AQUARIUMS TO STOP TAKING DOLPHINS FROM ANNUAL TAIJI HUNT

7th May 2015 - SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SHARK CAGE DIVING TOUR OPERATORS DEFEND USE OF BAIT TO ATTRACT SHARKS

9th May 2014 - UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN TO BUILD NEW PARKS IN ASIA

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.