Aquarium of the Pacific Debuts a Tiger Shark

By Marilyn Padilla 

Long Beach, CA - They are often feared as the second-most dangerous shark in the ocean. The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a species that can grow up to 14 feet and weigh over 1,400 pounds. Few aquariums have had tiger sharks, and today only two other aquariums in the U.S. are home to these awesome predators. A 5-foot baby tiger shark is now on exhibit for the first time at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California—making it the only tiger shark currently on exhibit on the nation’s mainland. Aquarium shark experts aim to learn more about this little known species and hope to inspire the public to want to protect these incredible animals. 

Tiger sharks have slow repopulation rates, yet they are heavily harvested for their fins, meat, and liver. Everyday ways to help save the tigers of the sea include avoiding the consumption of shark fins and meat, vitamins containing shark oil and other shark byproducts, and not purchasing lotions, makeup, and topical analgesics containing squalene derived from shark oil. Recycling and properly disposing of trash to help prevent it from enter the ocean are other ways to help these sharks. Tiger sharks in the wild are known to eat just about anything and are nicknamed the “wastebasket of the sea.” Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find undigested trash in the stomach of a tiger shark, including cans and plastic bottles.

The Aquarium of the Pacific, a nonprofit institution, is dedicated to instilling a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems. The Aquarium is home to 12,500 animals, including sea lions, sea otters, sea jellies, interactive Lorikeet birds, sharks, and more. The Aquarium currently features Shark Summer and is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays until 10 p.m. during the summer. Admission is $23.95 adult (12+); $11.95 child (3-11), $20.95 senior (62+), and free for members and children under age 3. During Shark Summer everyone gets in for the kid’s price after 5 p.m. A world of discovery awaits. For more information, the public may call 562-590-3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org . Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

To view Aquarium of the Pacific's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-33-Aquarium_of_the_Pacific