how many aquariums have whale sharks in the us how many aquariums have whale sharks in the us

The public display industry keeps many species of marine mammals captive in concrete tanks, especially whales and dolphins. The caudal fin is semi-lunate (semi-crescent shaped) with the upper lobe much larger than the lower. Not a great deal is known about the reproductive process of whale sharks. The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta (USA), is the largest aquarium in the western part of the world. Baltimore offers so much moreor much more diversity in sea life and tank design at least. The awesome whale shark is not exhibited at the Aquarium. How many beluga whales have died at GA aquarium? The aquarium is a hometown to nearly 120, 000 animals that belong to 200 different species. ATLANTA Georgia Aquarium's longest-tenured whale shark is dead after 15 years at the facility. Registered Charity No. The park features a large aquarium with walruses, polar bears, whale sharks and dolphins and an area where visitors can interact and touch some of the sea animals. When cruising, it averages about 2.5 knots (2.9 mph). Did you encounter any technical issues? Many of them aggressively hit aquarium tanks, trying to break through the walls or glass, even at the expense of their own well-being. They tend to spend most of their daytime hours cruising at shallow depths, apparently feeding, sometimes right at the water surface. Because of its size and cartilaginous skeleton, it does not fossilize well and in life it is very difficult to weigh accurately. By reading this article you might be more interested in seeing Whale sharks. What is the biggest aquarium in the world 2022? It is marketed fresh, salted, and smoked and sells for very high prices. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Furthermore, the Georgia Aquarium is the only Western aquarium to house whale sharks. The aquarium is a hometown to nearly 120, 000 animals that belong to 200 different species. Like a vertically suspended dipole antenna, a monopole, Many Hindus believe that there are 14 lokas, or worlds, The Bucyrus RH400, owned by Caterpillar, is the world', Where is the Parker Solar Probe going? The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species.The largest confirmed individual had a length of 18.8 m (61.7 ft). Unfortunately, none of them are alive today, Norton and Ralph passed away in 2007. This has been a really weird (read: bad) day for various reasons that I won't bore you with. 1 aquarium in the U.S. and the no. Additionally, you dont have to visit the aquarium to see them either. Over 18 million people have visited the Georgia Aquarium. The largest tank in the facility was a whopping 6.3 million gallons as of December 2018. Threats to whale sharks include entanglement in fishing nets, boat strikes, ingestion of marine debris and micro plastics, and in some cases human interference through unregulated tourism. The Big Blue Whale sculpture is located at the west end of Crissy Field and will be free and open to the public October 13th, 2018 to January 13th, 2019. the Chimelong Ocean KingdomIn 2014, almost a decade after the Georgia Aquarium opened, the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom easily became the largest aquarium on Earth. Many shark species have brains as complex as mammals, which enables them to process a wide range of senses. Is there a whale shark in the Georgia Aquarium? Two of the whale sharks, Ralph and Norton, passed away in 2007, two years after the aquariums opening. Sharks have the same 5 senses as we do plus a couple more Taxonomy is a field of science that involves classifying and naming species. "Our whale sharks eat four times a day. What Is the Largest Tank in the Georgia Aquarium Belugas are exceptionally social creatures that move, reside, and hunt in groups of a few whales to dozens of whales. This is a great way to introduce people to the amazing diversity of shark species that exists in our oceans. One of the most interesting practices that Ioworld utilizes is the capture and release of its whale sharks. They can provide a valuable opportunity to study and learn more about marine animals. Their ancestors swam the seas before dinosaurs roamed the land. This exhibit was specially designed to house whale sharks, the largest fish species in the world. If the answer is no then maybe they should think again. Only five aquariums in the world have one of these animals. pp. Zoo Biology. During night hours and when they are swimming over distances they tend to go deep and have been recorded to 980 m (3215 ft), the maximum the instrumentation used could measure. To answer that question, their whale sharks came from Taiwan in 2007 where they were sadly going to be sold at a fish market. If, or where, there are specific breeding grounds is also a mystery. This is unusual because of the comparatively long transport time and complex logistics required to bring the sharks to the aquarium, ranging between 28 and 36 hours. Georgia Aquarium. The embryos have no placental connection to the mother, and are supported nutritionally first by the yolk sac and then by fluids called uterine milk secreted by villi in the internal uterine wall. Making a connection with nature is a vital step towards conservation action. Atlanta, United States. Beluga whale in clear blue water. It is a city full of music, CharmCard is a rechargeable smart fare card you can use on Local Bus, Light Rail and Metro Subway. St. Patty's is coming Dolphin Coast Presented by Margaritaville by Wyndham, Tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, Beginning Environmental Leadership Program, Alliance of Marine Mammals Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA), International Marine Animal Trainer's Association (IMATA). How deep is the water in Baltimore Inner Harbor? The Georgia Aquarium is a leader in the research space and animal care. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Your email address will not be published. The usual swim speed when feeding at the surface is roughly 2 knots (a typical walking pace of 2.3 mph). Each whale shark has its own individual spot pattern; like human fingerprints, no two are exactly alike. The third member Trixie died in 2020 due to poor health and Alice died in 2021. Approaching any wild animal is risky and can be dangerous, but in the case of a whale shark it . Have some feedback for us? The Aquarium is also committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded Southern sea otter pups off the coasts of California and Alaska. Dead animals mainly come from SeaWorld rescues of sick or dying wild whales and dolphins that are stranded on beaches or picked up in the hope of nursing them back to health. 2:11 PM EST, Sat November 28, 2020. Whale Shark Sell Price If you manage to catch a Whale Shark you can sell it at Nooks Cranny for 13,000 Bells. Looking out over one of the most beautiful coastlines in California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium sits on the waterfront along Cannery Row in Monterey, California.Each year, over 2 million visitors come to view more than 200 exhibits and 35,000-plus creatures that represent more than 550 species. Outside Asia, the first and so far only place to keep whale sharks is Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, United States. The aquarium did not specify whether the whale shark was suffering from a particular condition. 1064185. It contains 11 million gallons of water and is known as the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere. We believe that there are many benefits of well-run and responsible aquariums. These sharks live in a tank with 6.3 million gallons of water, which sounds like a lot, but its actually relatively shallow for such a large fish. Along with the small forms of phytoplankton and zooplankton that are caught in its filtering system it will also eat sea jellies, small crustaceans, squid, and small fishes such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and similar species. Providence College's Student-Run Newspaper Since 1935. Some have wider ethical objections to captive animals. But they diverged from their shark relatives around 400 million years ago. Join us for an exciting night of adventure and exploration! Aquatic animal health Journey with Gentle Giants is the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, in Georgia Aquarium's Ocean Voyager exhibit built by The Home Depot. 168: 496-504, 2010. Length: 12.6 metres (41.5 feet) Megalodon! Reports about size and weight vary considerably, probably depending on the mode and circumstances of measurement. Reasons to visit Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta The largest exhibit at Georgia Aquarium measures 284 feet long x 126 feet wide x 30 feet deep at the maximum depth. Additionally, the way they transport these animals is inhumane. Two of the whale sharks, Ralph and Norton, passed away in 2007, two years after the aquarium's opening. Whale sharks are the largest species of fish in the world and can weigh up to 15 tons and reach lengths of up to 40 feet. No, it is not advised to hug a whale shark. As Zeus was to the Greeks, This gravitational lens was discovered by Dennis Walsh. "She was surrounded by the incredibly dedicated team that cared for her every day," the post. Are there any other species living in the Georgia Aquarium? The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the worlds largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), and its comparison with those of related shark species. At the time of this writing, they held a 16-meter (52 feet) long whale shark, as well as 13 dolphins. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Unlike most sharks in which the mouth is on the undersurface of the head and set well back on the snout, the whale sharks mouth is almost at the very front of its head. By using satellite tags, aerial surveys and photo identification software, Georgia Aquarium and its partners have studied and tracked over 1,000 whale sharks known to visit this area to feed on plankton and fish eggs every summer. Whale sharks are notorious for dying in captivity. Georgia Aquarium is home to four whale sharks and is the only aquarium in the United States where you can find these sharks. The aquarium is still home to four newer . They can hurt themselves so badly that many of them die from their own injuries. These cells assist the shark in finding food at close range, even in poor visibility conditions. The Kenting National Museum of Biology and Aquarium is located in Taiwan. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180495, Read T.D., Petit R.A, Joseph S.J., Alam M.T., Weil M.R., Ahmad M., Bhimani R, Vuong J.S., Haase C.P., Webb D.H., Tan M., Dove A.D.M. The spiracles are behind the eyes at a similar distance. and the United States. Bring the memories home with you! The one thing everyone says you need to do when visiting Atlanta is go to the Georgia Aquarium. The aquarium is built with an almost 6.3-million-gallon water tank for giant creatures such as whale sharks to live there without any obstacles. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Vendors selected to participate in the 2020 BFMB season must have applied by the application deadline of December 31, 2019 and have been, All of our exhibits are indoors, including our warm and cozy Rainforest, which is kept at above 70 degrees all year round. You can purchase a card at the, The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train runs commuter services between DC and Baltimore. The aquarium is still home to four newer whale sharks. . The Georgia Aquarium whale sharks came from the coastal seas of Taiwan. The massive shark named Trixie died on Friday after "having difficulty navigating the. Whale is used as a description of the size of this shark, the largest fish that exists on Earth. Whale sharks are exhibited in several aquariums worldwide. Because of its size and cartilaginous skeleton, it does not fossilize well and in life it is very difficult to weigh accurately. Frequents shallow water areas near bays and upwelling coastal areas near continental drop-offs, sometimes during seasonal plankton blooms. Length: 12.6 metres (41.5 feet) . Areas of Expertise: Biology of whale sharks The Georgia Aquarium the largest in the U.S. boasts gigantic whale sharks among its denizens. The Georgia Aquarium has massive tanks with a variety of species. A rare giant shark now sits in an ice block at the Smithsonian, allowing researchers to hopefully unravel clues about its evolution. Our Behind the Seas Tour offer a backstage look at our most popular exhibits. Chimaera are closely related to sharks, skates and rays. Since 2008,Georgia State Universityhas collaborated with Aquarium staff and volunteers to observe and record the individual sharks behavior. Whale sharks are a type of shark; in fact, they're the biggest shark, which also makes them the biggest fish in the ocean. Georgia Aquarium protects whale sharks through research and conservation efforts in the field, in the laboratory and through our unique position as the only aquarium in the western hemisphere to display these elusive gentle giants. A 1 mile swim or paddle! Length: 3.2 metres (10.5 feet) , Basking shark. There is some evidence that the southeast waters off Taiwan and areas in the Philippines may be important birthing areas during the summer months. If the shark perceives the possibility of injury to an eye, the eyeball is rotated backward into the eye cavity and is covered by a flap of skin that slides forward over the opening. the Georgia AquariumLeading aquariums in the U.S., by largest tank size 2018 The aquarium with the largest tank in the United States was the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia. Robert Flaherty. In most countries, Zoos and Aquariums are regulated and licensed. Belize. She contributed enormously to our understanding of whale sharks and their care. Unlike most shark species, its mouth is located at the front of the head (terminal) instead of the underside of the rostrum (subterminal). Dove, ADM. Foraging and ingestive behaviors of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in response to chemical olfactory cues. Our original designs feature the iconic blacktip reef shark, sandbar sharks and more. When it first opened in 2005, it was the biggest aquarium in the world. Katsu Y, Kohno S, Narita H, Urushitani H, Yamane K, Hara A,Clauss TM, Walsh MT, Miyagawa S, Guillette Jr LJ, Iguchi T. Cloning and functional characterization of Chondricthyes, cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame)and whale shark (Rhincodon typus) estrogen receptors. The worlds largest when it opened in November 2005, the Aquarium encompassed 550,000 square feet (5.1 ha; 13 acres) of covered space, and its exhibits held 8 million US gallons (30,000,000 L) of fresh and saltwater. To make things worse, I listened as the speaker described how the whale sharks came to be at the aquarium. As one of the largest single aquatic exhibits in the world, Ocean Voyager features an acrylic tunnel for guests to view thousands of marine creatures on all sides, as well as a giant acrylic viewing window to explore our oceans like never before. Georgia Aquarium is home to four whale sharks and is the only aquarium in the United States where you can find these sharks. The whale shark has a huge mouth, which can reach up to 4 feet (1.2 m) across, located at the front of the head. For many, aquariums are the best (and only) plausible place to glimpse the worlds largest fish species. When alarmed, the whale shark has been observed accelerating to a body length per second for very short bursts, but they cannot sustain fast swimming for long. Its large mouth, which can be up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) wide, extends the full width of the head. There's a whole world to learn about and Colby is content to spend his life learning as much as he can about it! Biological Bulletin. Slavin LL04, Phone: 401-865-2214 Most specimens that have been studied, however, weighed about 15 tons (about 14 metric tons) and averaged about 12 metres (39 feet) in length. Health and Diseases of Aquatic Organisms: Bilateral Perspectives (R. Cipriano and I. Schelkunov eds). Long Beach, CA 90802 Moreover, the Georgia Aquarium educates the visitors to conserve these species, so that they are capable of thriving and flourishing for the upcoming generations.The topic of our concern is how many species of whale sharks they have. By far, the most serious threat to this species is from humans. As part of Georgia Aquariums mission to rescue and rehabilitate marine life, we have been able to assist in the treatment of stranded sea lion pups along the coast of California. Dove ADM. Metabolomics has great potential for clinical and nutritional care and research with exotic animals. Little Charles Lindbergh, named after his famous father, was kidnapped from his home in New Jersey on March 1, 1932, only to be found dead a short while later on May 12. Did a whale shark dies at Georgia Aquarium? How did they get the whale sharks to the Georgia Aquarium? Georgia Aquarium protects whale sharks through research and conservation efforts in the field, in the laboratory and through our unique position as the only aquarium in the western hemisphere to display these elusive gentle giants. If you're considering such a dive click here to read our guidelines. There are about 300 rows of tiny teeth along the inner surface of each jaw, just inside the mouth. Are there hammerhead sharks in aquariums? Best Aquariums in the World 2022 (Detailed Comparison List). Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta, GA. Additionally, only 510 percent of zoos, dolphinaria, and aquaria are involved in substantial conservation programs. How old is Trixie the whale shark? Most whale sharks observed are 6 to 12 m (19.7 to 39.4 ft) in length. The other two whale sharks of the initial four also died years later. one lonesome whale shark. http://www.seawatch.org, Credit: ECOOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-Identification Library. It is suggested that newborn pups generally range in length from 55 to 64 cm (21.7 to 25.2 in). Are there any planets in the Triangulum Galaxy? Divers rest on the sea floor while sharks are fed in the centre. Largetooth Sawfish (Pristis pristis) Its most prominent feature is its rostrum, also referred to as snout or saw, which has 14 to 23 large rostral teeth protruding from it. When food is densely concentrated, the shark will often exhibit vertical suction feeding: remaining stationary in a semi-vertical position, facing the surface. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium currently has two whale sharks, a male and a female, one of whom has lived there for 18 years; the other, for 11 years. Journey with Gentle Giants is the only opportunity in the world where you are guaranteed to snorkel with the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, in Georgia Aquariums Ocean Voyager exhibit. The stars of the aquarium are the 4 adult Whale sharks which are called by their pet names Norton, Ralph, Trixie, and Alice. If you are a shark lover then you must visit Georgia Aquarium once in a life at least. Three whale sharks left of six brought from Taiwan in 2006-2007. The 4 youngsters of the Aquarium Norton, Ralph, Trixie, and Alice are the foremost species of Whale sharks that thrived in the Georgia Aquarium. A 16-foot great white shark got up close and personal with boaters off the coast of Cape May, N.J. 1 Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Japan Considered one of the biggest and best aquariums in the world, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium houses 740 species including the gigantic whale shark. Since working in the industry I have noticed aquatic animals are generally the least popular animals as people prefer the big fluffy animals. The Georgia Aquarium boasts one of the largest shark exhibits in North America, holding 1.2 million gallons of water and many different species of shark. What Are Some Of The Largest Sea Creatures. As someone who loves sharks, its likely that seeing Whale Sharks and Basking Sharks are high on your bucket list. ATLANTA Georgia Aquariums longest-tenured whale shark is dead after 15 years at the facility. The Georgia Aquarium the largest in the U.S. boasts gigantic whale sharks among its denizens.Jun 11, 2019. Outside Asia, the aquarium is the first one to keep such a giant ocean creature in captivity. The whale shark is enormous and reportedly capable of reaching a maximum length of about 18 metres (59 feet). The largest of the sharks, it is well proportioned and beautifully streamlined even with its large, broad, flat head. 100 Aquarium Way, Animal care workers often participate in the procedures and help dispose of the corpses. List of aquaria in the United States; Venezuela. It is also the third largest in the entire world. Can they deliver effective education and engagement around this animal? Some are speedy, some are slow. The reasons for the aggregations are not well understood. What is the biggest aquarium in the world? Where is the Parker Solar Probe now 2021? PLoS ONE. The fish range in length between 18 and 32.8 feet, but can grow to more than 60 feet long. Located in the Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore, the aquarium boasts marine wildlife from more than 800 species. and small fishes (sardines, anchovies, etc). (submitted) 2014. While its somewhat tough to see a whale shark in its natural habitat, it can be seen in a few aquariums around the world. The Big Blue Whale sculpture is located at the west end of Crissy Field and will be free and open to the public October 13th, 2018 to January 13th, 2019. However, most of this is false information meant to gain public favor. Aquarium officials estimate theyve spent $6.5 million for the creatures care since trawlers took them from the silvered waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. No? Looking forward to, There are 34.92 miles from Baltimore to Washington in southwest direction and 38 miles (61.16 kilometers) by car, following the MD 295 S route. The only litter size that has ever been documented was more than 300 pups. Many feast on fish, while others prefer to slurp worms or filter plankton. Vertical and horizontal lines of cream or white create a checkerboard appearance with round spots in the squares giving the impression of checkers on a board ready for play. Sturgeon at Beijing Aquarium, China. The awesome whale shark is not exhibited at the Aquarium. 2014. What do Wilmington Shark's fans and North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) staff have in common? 1 Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Japan Considered one of the biggest and best aquariums in the world, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium houses 740 species including the gigantic whale shark. Consists of zooplankton, specifically sergestid shrimps and fish eggs as well as krill, jellies, copepods, coral spawn, etc. A whale shark filters food from the water by cross-flow filtration, which means the particles do not catch on the filter. f11photo/Shutterstock.com. Aside from their research within the aquarium, the research team also tags and studies wild specimens. Who is known as the father of Indian documentaries? Despite Whale sharks, there are many other species living happily in the Aquarium. Estimates of whale shark longevity vary from 60 to as long as 150 years, but the maximum age is really unknown. DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.01.064. While there probably arent sharks at the Inner Harbor, there have been some close encounters pretty close to home. There are over 500 species, from angel to zebra. The Georgia Aquarium was designed with 6.3 million gallons of the water tank to keep one of the giant creatures of the ocean in captivity The Whale Shark. One reason given for the unique checkerboard pigmentation of the whale shark is an adaptation for radiation shielding, an advantage in animals that spend a significant amount of time near the surface of the water where they are exposed to high levels of ultraviolet radiation. Adopt a Great White Shark today and you'll be supporting vital Great White Shark research in the USA. Many report that they are going to great lengths to save our planet and the species that reside here. Biological Bulletin. 113: 199-212, 2010. de la Parra Venegas R, Hueter R, Gonzalez Cano J, Tyminski J, Gregorio Remolina J,Maslanka M, Ormos A, Weigt L,Carlson B, Dove ADM. An unprecedented aggregation of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Mexican coastal waters of the Caribbean Sea. How many lokas are there according to Hinduism? In conjunction with our renowned SCUBA program, Georgia Aquarium offers an hour-plus try-dive rebreather experience no bubbles! Please tick the box below to confirm you're happy for us to email you. They also offer a free live stream on their website. In 2016, the global whale shark population as a whole was downgraded from Vulnerable to Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In fact, they were the ones to discover that whale sharks can dive to depths of 1,300 meters. Photo credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation 2. And they allow large numbers of people to develop a positive connection with sharks and rays. and Dove A.D.M. They showed the size of the box in the exhibit, and it was quite small. Typically found offshore but will come close to shore, sometimes entering lagoons or coral atolls. Working with the Taiwanese government and local fisherman, Georgia Aquarium obtained the required permits and created the safest and most secure method for the acquisition and transport of the animals from Taiwan to Atlanta, GA. How big was Trixie the whale shark? Whale sharks have a broad, flat head, relatively small eyes, five large gill slits, two dorsal fins, two long pectoral fins, two pelvic fins, one anal fin and a large sweeping tail. Through their transport, there were many people around them the entire time to make sure they were safe and secure. A whale shark photo-identification library uses a software program that analyzes photographs of the unique-to-each shark skin patterning behind the gills and any scars of an observed shark to distinguish between individual animals. Georgia Aquarium's Ocean Voyager exhibit is unfathomably largethe size of a football field, ranging from 20 to 30 feet deep and filled with 6.3 million gallons of saltwater. Is there planets in the Triangulum Galaxy? By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. The turquoise rainbowfish is considered a peaceful community fish. It prefers warm tropical water, in a range of 21 to 25o C (69.8 to 77o F), but is more content when the warm water is interspersed with cooler, nutrient-rich upwellings that provide a good source of food. Why no aquarium in the world has a great white shark? They belong to Russia, but the aquarium still feels responsible for them. What Time Does The Subway Stop Running In Baltimore Maryland? Georgia Aquarium is the only aquarium in North America home to whale sharks, the biggest fish in the ocean. When he isn't distracted by his backyard birdfeeder, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone around him about what he's recently learned. During vertical and active surface suction feeding, the shark will open and close its mouth, creating a strong suction and bringing in large volumes of water. Georgia Aquarium is home to four whale sharks and is the only aquarium in the United States where you can find these sharks. We strongly encourage aquariums not to add these animals to their collections. The calls against captivity are far from new. Seeing a shark or ray on a dive is always a highlight. and Thaler A.D. (2014) Sizing ocean giants: Patterns of intraspecific size variation in marine megafauna. Providence, RI 02918 Good aquariums take their responsibilities seriously and will seek to: We're supportive of good aquariums. Years later, it is the third largest in the world, and the largest in the United States. As their largest tank, the Pacific Ocean is 9 meters by 34 meters, allowing the sharks to swim around with relative ease. . The New England Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animalsfrom northern fur seals to giant Pacific octopus to African penguins. It is listed in CITES Appendix II. While the MARC if often cheaper than Amtrak, it can often, Regular Fares Fares & Passes Full Fare Senior/Disability One-way 2.00 1.00 Day Pass / 1-Day Pass 4.60 2.30 Weekly / 7-Day Pass 22.00 Monthly, Hours and connections The Baltimore Metro operates from 5:00 AM to midnight Monday through Friday. Since whale sharks are so large, only a few aquariums in the world can properly house them. DOI: 10.1001/ZOO.21024, 2012. St. Patty's is coming Dolphin Coast Presented by Margaritaville by Wyndham, Beginning Environmental Leadership Program, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180495, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-017-3926-9, Alliance of Marine Mammals Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA), International Marine Animal Trainer's Association (IMATA). For a fee, snorkelers and divers can get even closer to the fish, sharks, and rays by joining the aquarium's dive master in exploring the main tank. Can they deliver care throughout the animals life? These creatures are being put on display in the so-called name of education. Going to visit these animals once a year may seem like a fun trip, but we must ask ourselves, at what cost?