Whale Shark- Georgia Aquarium question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
some success as in....? (sorry im kinda just joining in)
i guess the big issue would whether it's feasableto keep themin aquarium setting long term. is it possible that they can be released or would that be too much strain on them?
 
Most display type animals can never be released. There are FAR stricker protocols for animals that are being reintroduced. So much so that it would make it impossible. It's set up that way to avoid having them imprint on humans and to assure that we aren't introducing zoonatic diseases into the wild. Captive animals carry things that would be devistating to the wild population -even though it doesn't show on them while in a tank.

The lead contributing factor is still long term exposure to dylox. This was the first time I've ever heard of an animal being exposed to it for so long intentionally. Just my opinion, but they would have been better off not treating at all. I would have hit them with a quick de-worm if anything at all. When they were doing so well in the holdings in Asia, why mess with them once they got here. I'm sure there are other factors we aren't aware of, though.
 
Mont Bay is set up for release. They follow strict protocols when it comes to the exhibits that house animals for reintroduction.
 
Oh right... was just wondering. So the sharks were never going to be kept their permanently then?
 
Nope - MBA never had any plans to keep the Great Whites permanently.

They've kept and release 2 over the past 3 years. They exhibit the Great Whites to help raise awareness of their Great White research & education program.
 
i don't think its been mentioned yet, another aquarium in southern taiwan has has a few whale sharks in their display tank, which I'm not sure the total volume. I do strongly believe that it is a open water system, connected to the ocean which the aquarium sits adjacent to. I've posted some pictures in the Rare fish from Rare fish thread when I visited that place, and I was quite surprised to see them as I wasn't expecting it. And I believe some of the specimens from Georgia aquarium came from Taiwan also.

I wonder what would have happened if MBA kept the great whites, I believe that keeping the 2 would not have had a huge negative impact on the existing wild population, and would have provided more awareness with them being kept there in the MBA outer bay, drawing in millions more to see them, and watch them grow. Those tanks are quite larger and the other fish are more or less disposable in a loose sense?
 
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