3 Nov 2011, ThirdAge
A shark that had been in captivity at Monterey Bay Aquarium died shortly after being released just days ago, the aquarium announced Wednesday.
The young great white shark, which was 4 feet 10 inches long and weighed 52 pounds, was placed back in the Pacific Ocean off Goleta on Oct. 25. A transmitter designed to be released if something happens to the shark popped free Oct. 29 and was recovered the next day; researchers determined the shark had died.
“This is a very difficult day for all of us, and for everyone who saw and cared about this animal,” said Jon Hoech, the aquarium’s director of husbandry. “Based on the shark’s behavior and condition prior to release, we had every confidence that he’d do well back in the wild. Unfortunately, that’s not how things turned out. We’re surprised and saddened by the outcome.”
It was the sixth great white kept at the aquarium, which has managed to keep sharks in captivity longer than any other institution, ranging from 11 days to more than six months. This shark was released after 55 days, during which more than 250,000 visitors came to see him.
One recent survey showed fewer than 200 adult and juvenile sharks off the Central Coast, though it is unclear how accurate that count is. The Monterey Bay Aquarium said it would review all policies and procedures following the shark’s death.
