South Carolina Aquarium is Donating Their Sharks to Ripley's Aquariums

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South Carolina Aquarium is Donating Their Sharks to Ripley's Aquariums
June 8, 2009
By Beth Nathan
Zoo and Aquarium Visitor

Charleston, SC - Monday, June 8, 2009 two of the South Carolina Aquarium’s sandbar sharks Charcharhinus plumbeus, one of the most common species of shark found in South Carolina, will be removed and donated to Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The donation to Ripley’s Aquarium will allow South Carolina Aquarium staff the ability to showcase four more sandbar sharks, currently residing in behind-the-scenes holding tanks, in the Great Ocean Tank exhibit. The change will also create the chance for the exhibit to feature hammerhead sharks Sphyrna mokarran, a brand new species to the Aquarium.

Currently there are eight sharks in the Aquarium’s Great Ocean Tank exhibit, three sandbar sharks, three sandtiger sharks Carcharias taurus and two nurse sharks Ginglymostoma cirratum. With no set date for the addition of hammerhead sharks, Aquarium staff members are currently seeking out hammerheads in their collection plans. Set by federal and state regulations through the Highly Migratory Species Permit, the Aquarium is permitted to collect four hammerhead sharks for exhibiting in the Great Ocean Tank.

"Opportunities to showcase new animals are exciting,' says Senior Dive Safety Officer, Arnold Postell. We are hopeful to collect hammerhead sharks in the next few weeks. After a quarantine period, the species would then be featured in the Great Ocean Tank.

According to Sharks of South Carolina, by Charles Farmer III, there are 39 species of sharks in South Carolina’s waters and approximately 500 known species in the world. As summer vacation season approaches and local beaches become popular destinations, it is good to heed expert advice to keep families safe during their vacation. Aquarium veterinarian, Doctor Shane Boylan, recommends that beachgoers remember to read and follow the beach’s posted swimming guidelines, never swim at dusk or night, avoid wearing shiny jewelry, and never swim alone.

About the South Carolina Aquarium: The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s most visited attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents fabulous views of Charleston harbor and interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.

The South Carolina Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is open Monday - Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5 p.m.) from April 1 to August 15 and is open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4 p.m.) from August 16 to March 31. The Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Admission prices are: Children 1 and under (free); Youth 2-11 ($10); Adults ($17); Seniors 62+ ($16). Military, senior, college and group discounts are available. For more information call 843.720.1990 or visit www.scaquarium.org. Memberships are available by calling 843.577.FISH.

To view South Carolina Aquarium's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-36-South_Carolina_Aquarium_on_Charleston_Harbor