Great White on Display

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melfox26:
http://www.montereybayaquarium.com/news/Default.asp?bhcp=1

Finally, a chance to see one behind glass. =)

Mel

Wow! I wonder how long this one will make it in captivity. When my parents worked for the Marine Mammal Center (working closely with Marine World before they went theme park), they ended up working with a captured great white (yes, I know they aren't marine mammals) that Marine World was *hoping* to make part of their display. Unfortunately after having divers change shifts 'walking' the shark around the reef tank (including my dad, but not my mom who didn't want any part of that) for several hours, it died. (never actually regained... I guess the right word isn't consciousness... awareness? Remained limp fish until it died) Seems to be the fate of captured Great Whites, except for those that are released before they get a chance to die.

This was well before my time, and of course, I realize, another far fetched sounding story. Unfortunately, the only photo I have to support that one (if I can find it) is the rescue itself.

It would be really really cool if MBA could keep this one alive, but... see it while you can? Didn't the last one end up slamming its head into the side of the enclosure until they released it?

Ishie
 
Thanks for posting! I just spoke with the aquarium and there will be a press announcement momentarily. I asked if they moved any of the tuna, barracuda, hammerheads, or the turtle to make room for her and they said no. She is doing just fine and they hope to keep her there healthy until she outgrows that tank. No reply was to what might happen after that. I'll be there bright and early Saturday after a dive.
 
lee3:
Thanks for posting! I just spoke with the aquarium and there will be a press announcement momentarily. I asked if they moved any of the tuna, barracuda, hammerheads, or the turtle to make room for her and they said no. She is doing just fine and they hope to keep her there healthy until she outgrows that tank. No reply was to what might happen after that. I'll be there bright and early Saturday after a dive.

Maybe they'll release her right outside... that would make for an interesting dive at the Breakwater :)

Might cut down a little ont he crowds ;)
 
That's so cool! Thanks Mel. That would be a HUGE draw for the Aquarium...I think I'll stop by tomorrow. Is it on display for regular paying guest at this point?
 
I just called the Aquarium and answered my onw question. Yes anyone can see it. I'm there first thing tomorrow.
 
What kind of aquarium is the thing in? I'm a bit rusty on this, but last I heard, you had to keep great whites in hourglass shaped tanks. With circular or blocky tanks, the shark would acclimate to swimming in only one direction around the tank, and get prematurely stressed.

There was also a question about electromagnetic shielding, as that species was so sensitive to electric fields, they'd get all pissy from "noise" leaking into the tank walls.

Of course, the folks at Monterey are the true experts in the field. I'm sure they everything well figured out six ways to Tuesday.
 
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the best in the world. If a Great White is safe anywhere (other than the ocean) it would be there.
 
It is a large Million Gallon Tank that houses open ocean creatures like bluefin tuna and other open ocean sharks-It is not a roundabout tank like the Steinhart aquarium that housed the last captive great wht. It is quite impressive I might add..I think I sat there for 30 minutes last visit,mesmerized by the giant tuna (some are over 600lbs)! :11:
 

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