SCOTTSDALE/SALT RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY, AZ – OdySea Aquarium has welcomed six sandbar shark pups to its aquatic family. Two male and four female pups were born overnight in the Shark Waters exhibit at OdySea Aquarium mid-November after an approximately 12-month gestation period.
To ensure the safety of the baby sharks, OdySea Aquarium aquarists immediately transferred all the pups to a separate pool of their own off exhibit soon after birth; female sandbar sharks provide no maternal care and pups are born ready for independent survival. OdySea’s Animal Health and Animal Care teams are closely overseeing the baby sharks’ well-being and growth. Momma shark is doing well and remains on exhibit for guests to see. Currently, the shark pups are about two feet in length, eat well, and are hitting all developmental milestones.
"The birth of these magnificent creatures is a testament to our commitment to marine conservation, education, and outstanding animal care,” said Dave Peranteau, Director of Animal Care and Conservation at OdySea Aquarium. “We strive to inspire a greater understanding and appreciation for the wonders of the ocean. Join us in celebrating this milestone and the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve marine life for future generations.”
The stocky sandbar shark, also known as a brown shark, can weigh up to 200 pounds as an adult and reach up to 7.5 feet in length.
Sandbar sharks are found in coastal waters of temperate and tropical regions around the world. While it is the most abundant shark in the Western Atlantic, it is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List (IUCN). It is caught for its fins, oil, skin, and meat and is targeted in some fisheries. Their slow growth, late sexual maturity, and few numbers of offspring make them a sensitive species to overfishing.
The sandbar pups will remain behind-the-scenes until they have achieved substantial growth and maturity. However, “pup-dates” on the six baby sharks will be posted regularly to OdySea Aquarium’s Facebook page and Instagram account, keeping fans updated and connected to these precious new additions.
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MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Members from OdySea Aquarium’s Animal Care team that are caring for the shark pups are available for interviews; Zoom, phone, in-person and LIVE interviews are available with these spokespeople as well as seeing the sharks behind the scenes.
Contact Karin to arrange interviews.
Karin Gallo
Director of Public Relations and Social Media
9500 E. Via de Ventura, A100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 | P 480.291.8218 | C 813.966.7550 | azboardwalk.com|KGallo@azboardwalk.com
