As you may know, our Shark Shallows exhibit has been without its title star…the sharks! We understand that much of our communication has stated that the sharks will be back by the end of the summer, however, the process is taking longer than we anticipated. It’s important to us that we address any questions you may have and shed light on the details of this delay.
Why are there no sharks in Shark Shallows?
Our sharks have been behind-the-scenes as we treat Shark Shallows for a naturally-occurring parasite specifically dangerous to cownose rays, and found both in the wild and in aquariums. While the copper treatment does not affect the rays, it is very dangerous to sharks. To ensure the sharks’ safety, we removed them from Shark Shallows.
How was Shark Shallows treated?
We added copper as a treatment to eliminate the parasite. This is the best course of treatment for the animal population in Shark Shallows.
Is the treatment safe for humans? What about the parasite?
Yes, the copper treatment in the tank is safe for humans. The amount we used is less than the EPA standards allowed in our drinking water. The parasite itself also poses no risks to humans.
When will the treatment be over?
We have concluded the copper treatment in the Shark Shallows tank, and we are now preparing the tank for the sharks.
So what’s the delay?
The last step in the preparation is to remove the remaining copper before reintroducing the sharks. This is proving a bit time consuming as the copper has been soaked up by the concrete. As we remove the copper from the water, more is able to filter from the concrete into the water, prolonging the process. We are working as fast as we can to get the sharks back in as soon as possible without compromising their health.
Do you know when the sharks will be back?
Because we are dealing with living animals and changing conditions, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact date. We will continue to keep you updated.
Thank you for understanding and for supporting our emphasis on animal care!