He was wondering what it would be like to jump in and frolic beside the whale sharks. The creature approached, eerily quiet. Whale sharks are as harmless as they are imposing, preferring plankton to people. Last year, two died for reasons that baffled staffers. The whale sharks, which roam hundreds of miles in the wild, already are stressed by their confinement, he said. And they are likely to be harmed further by close proximity to humans -- and by potential exposure to germs exotic to them.
The Georgia Aquarium is not the only one is the U. But it is the only one outside of Asia to attempt to keep whale sharks, a little-understood animal that can grow as long as 60 feet. The controversy over the swim program has magnified a tension inherent in many big-ticket aquariums, which have proliferated around the globe in recent decades.
Though they typically promise to bolster marine education and advocacy, they also are entertainment venues competing for tourist dollars. Another world-class aquarium, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Staffers at the Georgia Aquarium have defended the program. The four sharks kept in captivity, they said, are loosely monitored. Bruce Carlson, the chief science officer, is confident they will coexist with the daily stream of visitors.
Spokesman Dave Santucci noted that the fish were already used to people: Last year, he said, humans made about 5, trips into the tank for maintenance. Santucci also noted that the aquarium was funding significant whale shark research projects in Mexico.
Size 8 - Because of its size and cartilaginous skeleton, it does not fossilize well and in life it is very difficult to weigh accurately. The largest accurately measured whale shark was The average length is between 18 and Newborns measure 21 to 25 inches 53 — 64 cm long.
Body Composition Whale shark has a broad, flat head, relatively small eyes, five large gill slits, two dorsal fins, two long pectoral fins, two pelvic fins, one anal fin and a large sweeping tail.
It has a vestigial spiracle behind the eye, which is an evolutionary remnant of its common ancestry with bottom-dwelling benthic carpet sharks. Unlike most shark species, its mouth is located at the front of the head terminal instead of the underside of the rostrum subterminal.
The whale shark has a huge mouth, which can reach up to 4 feet 1. Inside the mouth are specialized flaps called velums. These stop the backflow of water as the whale shark closes its mouth, preventing the loss of food.
The skin of an adult whale shark can be as thick as 4 inches 10 cm and has the consistency of strong rubber, which limits possible predators to killer whales, great white sharks, tiger sharks and humans. Color Whale shark has a two-toned pattern of light spots on its dark gray back with a white underside.
Each whale shark has its own individual spot pattern; like human fingerprints, no two are exactly alike. Teeth Teeth of the whale shark are tiny and pointed backward; they are thought to have no function in feeding. There are about rows of tiny teeth along the inner surface of each jaw, just inside the mouth. The whale shark is the biggest fish in the sea. Diet Consists of zooplankton, specifically sergestid shrimps and fish eggs as well as krill, jellies, copepods, coral spawn, etc.
I believe that the aquarium investigated to the best of their abilities. I do not believe that the unfortunate deaths of these two animals is any reflection of the morality of having them in captivity. As stated above, they would have died anyway so at least more good for the species as a whole was achieved before their death.
The equipment is properly managed and sanitized by aquarium staff, it seems necessary safety precautions are upheld, and I believe it further increases revenue and education. As humans, we have to make the decision for this animal. I visited this aquarium a while back and feel like they are just like every other aquarium.
They all do their best to make the animals feel like home…. Well as us humans, I think its our responsibility to protect these sharks when other people tries to harm or kill them. I believe sharks should only be held in captivity if its better for that shark and they have a better chance of living longer.
I do not think the dive in with the sharks is appropriate considering the two previous deaths but yet these are still wild animals. Another reason why sharks should be held in captivity is if they are on the verge of going extinct but other than that just leave the sharks where they are. I agree that it was right for the Georgia Aquarium to buy the sharks form the fishermen. I do think that it did help the spiecies has a whole, that those sharks where studied.
The Doctor did not explain in depth to what really happened to the sharks. The Doctor only talked about one of the sharks and not the onther one. So the question is still how did the other one die. Was it because of old age or something else. The program that the Georgia Aquarium offers is pretty cool.
The way the Georgia Aquarium does the program seems safe. Whale sharks eat microscopic plankton. Personally, I have always been in love with whale sharks. I think they are one of the most amazing fish that have ever existed. Plus, I never would have seen them. They show true interest in this particular fish and I feel that they truly want it to not only be a fascinating experience for visitors, but also a learning experience. Peritonitis is easily caused by bacteria, so instead of arguing about whether or not keeping the whale sharks captive is acceptable, we should be arguing over things to do to make it a better place for them.
I am sure that the aquarium did all that they could. The aquarium handles this dive better than any aquarium I have seen before. They are very clear on the rules and they truly want your experience to be worthwhile. I read a newspaper article not too long ago about people paying a man in Taiwan to take them swimming with whale sharks in the open ocean. What makes it any different in an aquarium?
It is a great learning experience that does not need to go away! Overall, I think that the whale sharks are being treated right and could thrive properly in the Georgia Aquarium. Killer Whales attack divers at Sea World all the time, but they still wake up the next morning and put on a show.
As far as the question on is it beneficial to hold any animal, in this case the whale shark, captive in a aquarium, I have to say in my opinion it is. I believe there are many species that very few people understand or know about unless they go to aquariums or zoos.
As far as the whale shark goes, I feel it is very beneficial for them to be relocated in Georgia because I myself have never seen a whale shark in person but I loved to read of their massive size and how they survived on such little prey in zoo books growing up and this exhibit will help to as well explain these animals to many who will never get to experience them in real life. For these sharks that would have been food, I am sure they are satisfied with where they have ended up.
They are not only getting personal care from their trainers but they are allowing us to view their majestic ways and get a chance to better understand their purpose in our world with all the different programs offered by the Georgia aquarium. Although there is always the questionable topic of it being safe to hold these animals outside of their natural habitats I do feel it is sometimes necessary to take a few and maintain them in aquariums to allow people the ability to see and understand the purpose of the species in person.
I believe that it is acceptable for whale sharks to be held in captivity, as long as they are well taken care of and not showing any signs of distress; especially if keeping sharks in captivity allows people to study them and help the population in the wild. I also think the interview with Dr.
Carlson was great! It definitely gives insight on the Georgia Aquarium! If one were to take the view that captivity is wrong in all manners, then he would oppose all aquariums and zoos. Aquariums and zoos are very advantageous for learning.
We start learning about animals at a very young age. Each one of us can remember at least one visit to a zoo or aquarium during our childhood. Whether we knew it or not, we were learning. For example, I am a visual learner, so the combination of reading the information about the animal provided on the sign with the presence of the animal reinforced what I had just read. Their interaction with the animals, including whale sharks, in the aquarium prepares them for the possibility of working in the animals natural environment in the future.
In general, the topic of keeping particular animals in captivity is relative. For example, saving an animal that is following the path to extinction from being eaten is a relatively good reasoning for placing it in captivity. Having a dive program available at an aquarium is a great learning opportunity, but I think it should be limited to those with scuba diving certification; otherwise, the program would be too risky, both for the shark and the diver.
If this stipulation presents itself as a problem, maybe the aquarium can partner with a school or organization that gives scuba certification and give referrals. It seems that the Georgia Aquarium is promoting whale sharks in a positive way by allowing the public to see these huge, magical fish up close. Seeing animals in captivity makes me sad sometimes, however I know that the animals are actually better off in an aquarium where their health and diet is closely monitored.
I wonder, however, if aquariums consider keeping a whale shark for only a year or so, and replacing it back into the wild to live a normal life? I guess that could be too much trauma for the shark once it has adapted to a more domesticated lifestyle. Transport of a forty foot fish is extremely expensive, and probably a little traumatic in of itself.
I can remember the first time I went on a father daughter trip to see the Baltimore aquarium. I would always be the last one of my siblings to beg my parents to stay after the sun fell whenever we visited the beach. However, standing at the oceans edge does not compare to the excitement and discovery I experienced at the Baltimore aquarium. The exhibits at the Baltimore aquarium fed my curiosity. For the first time I was actually seeing what l had only imagined rested below ocean waves.
And the sharks were saved from their track to a white platted dinner? It looks like they even had a first class plane ride over from Taiwan. Their guaranteed food, and they have health insurance? Sounds like a good deal to me. The biggest benefit I see by their presence in the Georgia Aquarium, however, is their ability to spark the imagination of millions of kids. Many never get to see what lies beneath the undulating ocean waves, now millions get an IMAX-type view.
The appreciations for the ocean that can be birthed inside the walls of an aquarium are priceless. I believe that the procedures shown and followed by the workers and volunteers at the Georgia aquarium are very professional, and as long as all whale sharks are kept in the same condition, I believe it is perfectly acceptable for whale sharks to be kept in captivity.
I do believe that the whale sharks as a species benefit from the captivity of a few individuals. Like it was said, not many people are able to see whale sharks first hand, and their exposure to the world makes people much more aware of their cause and more likely to have more interest. I believe that Dr. Carlson gave the best answer to his knowledge that he knew about the whale sharks and how they died.
He was not very specific about what the procedures of the conservative treatment were, but that is the best guess they have for the loss of appetite in the whale sharks. If there was a more through explanation I would find that more beneficial. As long as those policies are kept in place I believe it is appropriate. Empathy is a powerful tool and allowing people to view and establish real connections motivates and drives conservation.
Sometimes trying to establish connections lead to programs like diving with the sharks. The dive with the sharks program seems a little unnecessary, but I have no real problems with it unless the whale sharks become agitated by the presence of divers in their tank. Not only do these experiences create empathy but being able to monitor these whale sharks over a long period of time allows researchers to track and learn more about whale sharks in general, which is also important to conservation efforts.
But seriously, I agree with the idea that the sharks are better off alive as opposed to being item 43 on a Chinese restaurant menu and serving to educate the public. The whale shark is, to me, the most beautiful and captivating animal at the Georgia Aquarium. It is very much acceptable for whale sharks to be held in captivity, especially in an environment that takes their best upbringing into great consideration.
So, who would argue that these whale sharks should have been Taiwanese dinner rather than being displayed for all of us to see in a healthy supportive environment? Carson generously supported his response to the deaths of Ralph and Norton, and assured us that these deaths were not in any way correlated to maltreatment in the aquarium, so yes, I am satisfied with his statement.
I actually think it is great that there are individuals out there that are interested in engaging themselves with the sharks and getting a closer look at shark activity in the water. Once again I do not like animals being held in captivity unless it is in order to help them health wise.
They need to be released after that. I do not like animals in captivity just for profit. Doctor Carson saved a number of whale sharks from being served on a plate with chopsticks.
Kudos goes to him and the Georgia Aquarium for their passionate work. Being able to dive with whale sharks would be an unforgettable experience and instead of hoping to spot them in the wild with a more than hefty price tag you can support the Georgia Aquarium programs and these animals by paying a fee and being guaranteed a swim with the whale sharks. When an animal dies in captivity there are always those who want every animal released into the wild. That would be a bad idea and there is no telling how many whale sharks are dying out in the wild, but they are.
While Doctor Carson and his team of scientists have their theories on why Ralph and Norton died, I have mine on why a whale shark in the wild died; how about the trash that your cruise line dumped over board. I do not believe that there should be complete blame on the Georgia Aquarium on the death of the sharks.
It can be seen that they were taken care of and monitored regularly, and due to this regulation there are clear theories to the reasons of the sharks deaths. What if it was a dolphin?
I completely agree with you that it was a good thing that these whale sharks were bought from fisherman in Taiwan. I do not think that there is an argument that these sharks would be better off had they been left be eaten. The fact that there stress levels are lower in the aquarium then in the wild shows that they clearly are not suffering from their current condition. It is fun for the customers as well as beneficial to the aquarium in raising money for research and conservation.
If it seemed like these sharks were struggling at all I would definitely agree they should be living in the wild, but from what I can see they are not. Although, the deaths of Ralph and Norton are tragic their deaths should not be used as an explanation of why this is unethical.
There will never be completely perfect conditions in the wild or in captivity. If they had died in the wild though they would not have people researching and scrutinizing every factor that could have lead to their death, which is beneficial to the other whale sharks. I think animal activists need to worry about something else.
The whale sharks are obviously being taken care of and monitored. The staff at the Georgia Aquarium clearly cares about the well being of these whale sharks. As soon as they saw that the sharks had lost their appetite they immediately stopped the treatments. Another thing I would like to address is the money factor.
Some of the money that the aquarium makes goes to research. The money also goes to help us better understand and save aquatic wildlife. These whale sharks are better off where they are. If the aquarium did not buy them, they would have been dead anyways. If the activists have beef then they should just go to Taiwan. These animals are being held for their benefit and our benefit. My point on this is that the aquarium is now funding the hunting for and wild capture of whale sharks as well as other exotic animals and thus threatening whale shark population numbers.
Too many sea creatures are being fished from coral reefs and our oceans to fill the growing demand to see wild animals up close, through pet shops, tropical fish collections and aquariums.
If no-one can see sense on this, maybe they should stop acting like they know better and research on animlas, conservation, bio-diversity and the need that animals have in the wild that can not be met in captivity. That is what it is all about because it is safer.. If every animal should be in captivity than in the wild for safety.. Some zoos and places are allowing a positive image for conservation but only if they are funding real research and field work in the field of conservation and most zoos do not.
Nor do they ever release their animlas or try to. Most of these places are rescue organistaions which do take in animals in need and the best ones try to rehabilitate and release. My side is with those who do so. How do you know for certain that the whale sharks were going to be eaten? What if that were true btw? Depleting the oceans of sharks and other animals is wrong and what if we just could not stop? There has been much proof on top of dolphins in captivity being harmed, distressed and even dying through the trauma of capture and also other problems and consequences that people just do not want to face up to.
If action is not taken soon, we may only ever watch these majestic animals through a glass barrier. The trend at the moment is for whale sharks, what will be next? Humpback whales? You get my meaning. Holding a whale shark in a highly constraining artificial environment, where it is unable to feed or swim long distances naturally, has been implicated in the early death of every whale shark known to have been held in captivity in other countries.
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