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. Their ancestors swam the seas before dinosaurs roamed the land. Mexico. Even after exhaustive veterinary and animal care efforts, she ultimately passed away, the aquarium said. No? Thank you for reading! They capture small (young) whale sharks in their nearby ocean and use them in their tanks. Sharks are nomadic animals, so keeping them in confined spaces does not bode well. Whale is used as a description of the size of this shark, the largest fish that exists on Earth. ATLANTA, Georgia--Trixie the whale shark, who could have lived up to 130 years in the wild, died on November 27, 2020 after just 14 years at the Georgia Aquarium. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. 67(12): 10291043. What Are Some Of The Largest Sea Creatures. Tonic immobility is a reflex that causes a temporary state of inactivity in an animal. These species of sharks are imported from Taiwan via boats and trucks. Can they deliver care throughout the animals life? They have the name whale shark because they do have some similarities with whales. United States. It may also feed actively by jutting out its jaws, gulping water into its mouth, closing the mouth and forcing the water through the filtering system and out the gill slits. The calls against captivity are far from new. 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. 2022 Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA. Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide. It is highly valued for the production of high quality leather. A whale shark photo-identification library uses a software program that 'analyzes' photographs of the unique-to-each shark . This is the first time the Aquarium is home to a scalloped hammerhead shark. It is listed in CITES Appendix II. Does the Baltimore Aquarium have great whites? Active surface suction feeding is the most common type of feeding method and is characterized by the shark swimming in a normal orientation while feeding. At term, the young are released into the sea fully formed. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom ad Six whale sharks on display in China Aquarist Natasha Peat, whose job is to feed the whale sharks daily, let us tag along for a feeding. They also offer a free live stream on their website. Most whale sharks observed are 6 to 12 m (19.7 to 39.4 ft) in length. Georgia Aquarium: Atlanta, GA. The underbody is white or cream colored. Housed within is not just a single whale shark, but four. These guys have their own individual rope that they . There are 3 main methods of reproduction: oviparity (egg-laying), ovoviviparity and vivparity (live birth). The other two whale sharks of the initial four also died years later. The Aquarium is also committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded Southern sea otter pups off the coasts of California and Alaska. While its large size might suggest a dangerous animal, the whale shark is actually a gentle giant and will permit divers to approach it closely without exhibiting aggressive behavior. Can the animals presence in their collection genuinely further species conservation or scientific understanding? Some are speedy, some are slow. (2016) Undersea Constellations: Citizen Scientists Elucidate the Global Biology of a Threatened Marine Mega-vertebrate. Required fields are marked *. While there probably arent sharks at the Inner Harbor, there have been some close encounters pretty close to home. AMUN-RA: The Hidden One. Georgia Aquarium has not escaped the criticism all aquariums face about animal captivity. Atlanta, GA (July 20, 2016) International animal protection organization, In Defense of Animals, today released its list of the Ten Worst Tanks for Dolphins and Whales in North America, with the #4 spot shaming Georgia Aquarium as the dying pool. It contains 11 million gallons of water and is known as the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere. The body coloration is distinctive. Bring the memories home with you! A larger specimen was reported from the Gulf of Siam and estimated at 18 m (59 ft), a questioned figure. Find out how to ensure you have the best experience. The sharks are kept in a gigantic 24 million liter (6.3 million gallon) tank in the Ocean Voyager exhibit. Located on the Chinese island of Hengqin (just a 15-minute drive from Macau), this aquarium boasts 12.87 million gallons of fresh and salt water. 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. pp. Evolved for the open ocean, tank run-ins, and other pressure often result in unfortunate fatalities. Three whale sharks left of six brought from Taiwan in 2006-2007. While the whales use baleen plates as strainers and whale sharks use gill rakers, both open the mouth wide, engulf a large quantity of water and prey, then close the mouth and force the water through the mucus coated strainers that hold food preparatory to swallowing. Fax: 401-865-1202, For general inquiries please email: 228: 65-74. Get Out Your Green & Gold! The public display industry keeps many species of marine mammals captive in concrete tanks, especially whales and dolphins. Many report that they are going to great lengths to save our planet and the species that reside here. 1. Health and Diseases of Aquatic Organisms: Bilateral Perspectives (R. Cipriano and I. Schelkunov eds). Occurs worldwide in the tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans between about 30 degrees North and 35 degrees South, though it has been sighted as far as 41 degrees North and 36.5 degrees South. One of the most interesting practices that Ioworld utilizes is the capture and release of its whale sharks. The sharks are unusual in that they require a long transport time, as well as complex logistics, which can take between 28 and 36 hours to transport to the . New species appear in aquarium collections yearly as husbandry methods and captive breeding programmes improve. Sharks invest a lot of energy into producing a few, well-developed young. The io in ioworld is actually a local dialect that means fish. The aquarium is known for its whale sharks and dolphin shows, with their dolphins living in the nearby Kinko Bay. There's a whole world to learn about and Colby is content to spend his life learning as much as he can about it! A whale shark has never eaten a person While they do have 300 rows of teeth in their giant mouths, whale sharks dont use them for eating. Additionally, the way they transport these animals is inhumane. The aquarium has 15 tanks designed after various regions found within the Pacific rim. Other recent advances have included a detailed exploration of the chemistry of their blood using cutting-edge analytical techniques at Georgia Institute of Technology and an exciting collaboration withEmory Universityto study the DNA of whale sharks based on tissue samples collected from animals at the Aquarium, which has led to the first ever complete shark genome map. The whale shark is a filter feeder and its modified gill rakers can remove food particles from sea water down to 1 mm (0.039 in) in diameter, but most of its food comes in larger dimensions. The Aquarium team is heading out to the ballpark July 13 for the Wilmington Sharks vs. Florence Flamingos baseball matchup with the opening pitch at 7:05 p.m. This exhibit was specially designed to house whale sharks, the largest fish species in the world. Very little is known about whale shark mating behavior as it has been observed only twice in its natural habitat, and never in an aquarium setting. I work in a wildlife and conservation park, I specialize in aquatic animals. We are significantly reducing the quality of life for these animals. For all aquariums, there is not enough room for these animals to live a healthy and happy life. Published Are there any planets in the Triangulum Galaxy? The life expectancy of many species of marine animals is much lower when kept in captivity compared to those that live in the wild. The future focus for field research will be to explore connections to populations of whale sharks found in more remote places on Earth. Having whale sharks in an aquarium setting is a fantastic research opportunity. These creatures can grow to be approximately 40 feet longa huge animal to keep in captivity. Since 2008,Georgia State Universityhas collaborated with Aquarium staff and volunteers to observe and record the individual sharks behavior. The size of an adult whale sharks eye is about that of a golf ball, small for such a large animal. This is very efficient and does not clog the filters. The largest of the sharks, it is well proportioned and beautifully streamlined even with its large, broad, flat head. Although the term whale is used as part of the common name of this animal, it is not a mammal, it is a fish, a shark! Length: 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) Blacktip shark. Additionally, only 510 percent of zoos, dolphinaria, and aquaria are involved in substantial conservation programs. Does The Baltimore Aquarium Have Whale Sharks? What the 300 rows of small teeth in each jaw do in the feeding process has not been definitely determined. When it first opened in 2005, it was the biggest aquarium in the world. 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. Did a whale shark dies at Georgia Aquarium? How many beluga whales have died at GA aquarium? It boasts enclosures filled with almost 13 million gallons of water. What is the biggest aquarium in the world 2022? 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. Total Water Volume: 10 million gallons Largest Tank: . 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. The subject of maximum size that a species can reach must not be taken lightly. A 1 mile swim or paddle! 2. If you cant encounter marine life first-hand, this can be a valuable experience. BMC Genomics 18: 532. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-017-3926-9, Norman, B.M., Holmberg J.A., Arzoumanian Z., Reynolds S., Wilson R.P., Rob D., Pierce S.J., Gleiss A.C., De La Parra R., Galvan B., Ramirez-Macias D., Robinson D., Fox S., Graham R., Rowat D., Potenski M., Levine M., McKinney J.A., Hoffmayer E., Dove A.D.M., Hueter R., Ponzo A., Araujo G., Aca E., David D., Rees R., Duncan A., Rohner C.A., Prebble C.M., Hearn A., Acuna Marrero D., Berumen M.L., Vazquez A., Green J., Bach S.S., Schmidt J.V., Beatty S. & Morgan D.L. Why In The World Do Turtles Pile On Top Of Each Other? In southern China and Oman, whale sharks are opportunistically fished. From a small black-tip reef shark to a giant Whale shark, everything fascinates the visitors, and they are able to experience and learn more about various groups of diverse species. Up close and personal. Orcas have also been mentioned as predators of juvenile whale sharks. Length: 2.8 metres (9.2 feet) Nurse shark. 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. 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. Lets start. Its relatively small eyes (about the size of a golf ball) are located a short distance behind the angle of the jaw and at about the same level. 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. The massive shark named Trixie died on Friday after having difficulty navigating the habitat earlier in the day, the aquarium said in a statement on its Facebook page.Her health quickly declined, according to the statement. A Warner Bros. f11photo/Shutterstock.com. Juveniles are subject to predation by larger fishes and sharks. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. The whale shark is listed by the IUCN Red List as vulnerable. (562) 590-3100. These spotted giants can be found in tropical and temperate oceans all over the world, although they are considered to be endangered. Two of the whale sharks, Ralph and Norton, passed away in 2007, two years after the aquarium's opening. These cells are sensitive to and can detect electromagnetic fields transmitted by other animals. There's something for everyone. This information is available so you can learn more about the largest fish in the world and its conservation needs. The program houses a few captive-bred whale sharks that are displayed through thick acrylic. We strongly encourage aquariums not to add these animals to their collections. They're really big, and like some types of whales, they also filter their food out of the water, but they are definitely a shark. Aquatic animal health One female whale shark harpooned off the coast of Taiwan contained about 300 embryos in her two uteri that ranged in size from 42 to 63 cm (16.5 to 24.8 in). Over 18 million people have visited the Georgia Aquarium. Tuna at Tokyo Sea Life Park, Japan. Many shark species have brains as complex as mammals, which enables them to process a wide range of senses. Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center in Suitland Maryland. Where does Georgia Aquarium get their dolphins? The leopard shark is a subtropical species that lives in water ranging in temperature from 15-20 o C (59-68 o F). ATLANTA, Georgia- Trixie the whale shark, who might have lived up to 130 years in the wild, died on November 27, 2020 after simply 14 years at the Georgia Aquarium. Georgia Aquarium is located in Atlanta The Aquarium was established in 2005 and is well-known for its determined architecture, spectacular galleries, and sleepovers. As someone who loves sharks, its likely that seeing Whale Sharks and Basking Sharks are high on your bucket list. General and Comparative Endocrinology. If a human remains in close proximity for an extended period of time, a shark will sometimes slowly make its way into deeper water. McClain C.R., Balk M., Benfield M.C., Branch T.A., Chen C., Cosgrove J.A., Dove A.D.M., Helm R.R., Hochberg E., Gaskins L., Lee F., Marshall A., McMurray S., Schanche C., Stone S.N. Scientists know how old whale sharks are now thanks to World War II-era atomic bomb tests. Lets visit the Georgia Aquarium with us to meet the Whale sharks! The Georgia Aquarium the largest in the U.S. boasts gigantic whale sharks among its denizens. Is There A Commuter Train From Dc To Baltimore? The aquarium is a hometown to nearly 120, 000 animals that belong to 200 different species. 251-258, 2011. The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta (USA), is the largest aquarium in the western part of the world. The spiracles are behind the eyes at a similar distance. Georgia Aquarium is home to four whale sharks and is the only aquarium in the United States where you can find these sharks. Robert Flaherty. As Zeus was to the Greeks, This gravitational lens was discovered by Dennis Walsh. They are shipped via UPS from Taiwan in a special box made just for them. The Kaiyukan Aquarium is a beautifully designed aquarium located near Osaka Bay, Japan. The Georgia Aquarium is the only institution outside of Asia to house whale sharks. Rather, water is directed away through the gills while particles (which have more momentum) carry on toward the back of the mouth in an ever more concentrated stream. There are a number of countries that permit the commercial taking of whale sharks and some fisheries target the species. The skin of an adult whale shark can be as thick as 4 inches (10 cm) and has the consistency of strong rubber, which limits possible predators to killer whales, great white sharks, tiger sharks and humans. PeerJ. It is generally accepted that the species is ovoviviparous (aplacental viviparity), a method of reproduction in which eggs developed inside the females body hatch internally. Take a look back at the . Stop by our gift shop for all your whale shark gifts or shop online here. They can provide a valuable opportunity to study and learn more about marine animals. 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. Issues are distributed every Thursday evening to roughly 50 locations on and off-campus. cowlads@thecowl.providence.edu, For letters to the editor please email: Registered Charity No. Home Travel How Many Whale Sharks Are In The Georgia Aquarium. Registered Office The Shark Trust4 Creykes CourtThe MillfieldsPlymouthPL1 3JB, UK+44 (0)1752 672008Contact Us, 2020 Shark Trust (unless otherwise attributed). 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. Online Gift Shop Jaw-some Apparel. Slavin LL04, Phone: 401-865-2214 Known as a deity in a Vietnamese religion, the whale shark is called CA Cong, which translates to Sir Fish. Its large mouth, which can be up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) wide, extends the full width of the head. The Atlanta Georgia Aquarium, however, remains the largest aquarium located in Atlanta, Georgia, and the United States. It holds 6.3 million gallons of water and is home to whale sharks, manta rays and more swimmers. Additionally, you dont have to visit the aquarium to see them either. It incorporates a 98 meter (322 ft) underwater tunnel. Protected in a number of countries, they are frequently fished illegally because of poor or non-existent enforcement of existing regulations. As is the case with other sharks, there is no parental care of the pups. Where is the largest aquarium in the world? And they allow large numbers of people to develop a positive connection with sharks and rays. Whale sharks are a type of shark; in fact, they're the biggest shark, which also makes them the biggest fish in the ocean. 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. Despite Whale sharks, there are many other species living happily in the Aquarium. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, they maintain 11 million gallons of water and have exhibits and programs that guests can view up close. How many aquariums in the US have whale sharks? Since the programs inception, they have raised multiple whale sharks to maturity and used their specimens to learn more about the mysterious fish. Length: 3.2 metres (10.5 feet) Basking shark. Credit: ECOOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-Identification Library. Dove ADM, Leisen J, Zhou M, Byrne JJ, Lim-Hing K,Webb HD, Gelbaum L, Viant, MR, Kubanek J, Fernandez F. Biomarkers of whale shark health: A metabolomic approach. This is a great way to introduce people to the amazing diversity of shark species that exists in our oceans. The Georgia Aquarium is a house of 4 species of Whale sharks named Norton, Ralph, Trixie, and Alice. It was built in 2004 and runs a number of outreach educational programs and ocean research. While its somewhat tough to see a whale shark in its natural habitat, it can be seen in a few aquariums around the world. This 6.3 million gallon exhibit houses thousands of fish including zebra sharks, sawfish and more!Jan 1, 2021. Your email address will not be published. We found from 2012 to 2017, three Beluga whales died at the aquarium, sparking protests back then. To ensure the experience is a positive one for both you and the shark here are some simple steps to follow. The largest accurately measured whale shark was 61.7 feet (18.8 m). Within the museum is the Open Ocean Aquarium, a tank designed to display wonderful sea creatures from the open ocean. During this special program, you will get to spend 30 minutes in the water, and you'll leave with a souvenir photo and a t-shirt. Dove, ADM. Foraging and ingestive behaviors of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in response to chemical olfactory cues. It has a blue metal-and-glass exterior. 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 Oklahoma Aquarium is home to the worlds largest collection of bull sharks. It has a mouth full of small, sharp, almost scale-like teeth. Did you encounter any technical issues? Anyone wanting to spot one from home, can! Georgia Aquarium offers sleepovers for families, youth groups, schools, companies, and more. 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. Divers rest on the sea floor while sharks are fed in the centre. View All Stories. Whale sharks may be the most interesting fish on the planet, not to mention the largest. She contributed enormously to our understanding of whale sharks and their care. 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. 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. the aquarium said in a statement on its Facebook page, International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Environmental Biology of Fishes 98: 1953-1964, Clingham E., Brown J., Henry L., Beard A. and Dove A.D.M. 2022 Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA. Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide. Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey, California. Lets take a look at five aquariums with whale sharks and learn a little bit about the fish (and the aquarium) as we go. The highest documented adult weight is 3,600 pounds, which would be more than enough food for a polar bear. Theres only one aquarium in the country with a great white shark, and its in Monterey, Calif.) During this portion of the tour, guides take props from the pockets in their Crocodile Dundee-like vests. 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 juvenile female scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) is now on display at the Aquarium of the Pacific at the Molina Animal Care Center. What is the biggest shark in captivity? They are the largest fish in the world and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds (454 kg). http://www.seawatch.org, Credit: ECOOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-Identification Library. Both love sharks! In fact, it takes about 3 or 4 hours to view everything within the entire aquarium. Outside of Asia, this aquarium is the only institution housing whale sharks. For some species in particular, the issue of captive populations has become highly contentious. The aquarium has 15 tanks designed after various regions found within the Pacific rim. Other than whale sharks, the Aquarium is the hometown of many other species such as Beluga whales California sea lions, Bottlenose dolphins, African pancake tortoises, American alligators, Manta rays, and many other shark species. . All Rights Reserved. The exhibit is 9 meters deep and holds 5,400 tons of water, making it the only home for a whale shark in the aquarium. How old are the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium? It can reach a maximum size of 3.9-4.9 feet, with an average size at maturity for males 2.6 feet and females 3.5 feet. Inside the tank are fish, sharks, and of course, whale sharks. Our online shop has the perfect gift for the shark-lover in your life. These sharks have been observed hanging vertically in schools of baitfish while sucking the baitfish into their mouths. Not all sharks are alive today. From our perspective, we ask that aquariums carefully consider every animal that they bring into their collection. The caudal fin is semi-lunate (semi-crescent shaped) with the upper lobe much larger than the lower. and small fishes (sardines, anchovies, etc). A look back at what 2022 meant for shark and ray conservation and what 2023 and beyond has in store. How deep is the water in Baltimore Inner Harbor? Environmental experts say it has dangerously high levels of bacteria. Five large, vertical gill slits are present just forward of and above the origin of the pectoral fin. 3396164. The massive shark named Trixie died on Friday after "having difficulty navigating the. DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.01.064. 1064185. Is there planets in the Triangulum Galaxy? Marine Life Park Marine Life Park contains 12 million gallons of water, making it the second-largest aquarium in the world. This information is available so you can learn more about the largest fish in the world and its conservation needs. How old is Trixie the whale shark? Located in Atlanta, the massive institution is home to some of the biggest fish in the world. Its monumental size is its greatest protection and adults have little to fear from natural predators except for humans. This has been a really weird (read: bad) day for various reasons that I won't bore you with. A statement in a Monday Facebook post form the Georgia Aquarium said Alice the female whale shark has died. 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. 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. The awesome whale shark is not exhibited at the Aquarium. There has been controversy surrounding the decision of the Georgia Aquarium to house whale sharks. Some have wider ethical objections to captive animals. Dove, A.D.M. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and the largest fish known to have lived on this planet. Whale sharks are exhibited in several aquariums worldwide. Journey with Gentle Giants is the only opportunity in the world where youre guaranteed to swim with whale sharks, manta rays and more. The turquoise rainbowfish is considered a peaceful community fish. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Registered Company No. Making a connection with nature is a vital step towards conservation action. Atlanta, United States. Not a great deal is known about the reproductive process of whale sharks. They were transported on a private plane in a specially-made container. Many have speculated that they died because of the lack of knowledge surrounding keeping these enormous animals in captivity. They were then escorted from the airport to the aquarium. The Atlanta Georgia Aquariums official TikTok account has been the source of some amazing footage of beluga whales and educational content. Dove ADM, Arnold J,Clauss TM. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 1. The aquarium did not specify whether the whale shark was suffering from a particular condition. Whale sharks are the largest fish species in the world and are listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Georgia Aquarium. Georgia Aquarium, Georgia This impressive aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States, making it one of Georgias top attractions. Sharks are more than just what the movies make them out to be, as hunters seeking out humans to . The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and the largest fish known to have lived on this planet. 3: e715 http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.715 https://peerj.com/articles/715/. Credit: Courtesy of SeaWatch.org. 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. 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.