So interesting day at work today....
Started a little something like this...(ten minutes before stingray feed)
Guest: Are the sharks getting fed today?
Me: No, the sharks eat tomorrow.
Guest: Than what does that big shark behind you have in it's mouth?
Me:
The picture is really big so you will have to click the link to see it. I also attatched video even thought this isn't the video lounge. I am supposed to be getting more pictures beginning of next week and will make sure to post them.
Click for high-resolution picture
<LI class=body1>Click to watch video clip of Jesse chomping the White Tip <LI class=body1>Click to watch video clip of the White Tip's rescue
Here is the official press release.
Shark Rescued from the Jaws of Jesse
9 1/2 Foot Sandtiger Shark Attempts to Make Lunch Out of Tank MateBLOOMINGTON, MN (January 25, 2008) - So you think you've had a bad day! Earlier today at Underwater Adventures® Aquarium at the Mall of America, a four and a half foot White Tip Reef Shark found itself lodged in the jaws of Jesse, Underwater Adventures' largest shark.
Immediately following the attack, the Aquarium's Animal Care Team paddled into Shark Cove in a small boat to rescue the smaller shark from Jesse's teeth. The Team used feeding tongs to grab the White Tip's tail, and their quick thinking helped relieve the White Tip from Jesse's grip where it swam to safety at the surface of the tank. The Animal Care Team stationed at the top was able to grab the shark and pull it out of harm's way.
A child visiting the Aquarium was the first to notice the shark sticking out of Jesse's mouth, asking if today is a shark feeding day. "That White Tip put up quite a fight, but it's really no match for a 300-pound predator like Jesse. The White Tip's got scrapes and bite marks along her back, but a shark's skin is like a suit of armor. Believe or not, we're enthusiastic the shark will be just fine, the wounds appear to be superficial. She was given an antibiotic injection as a cautionary measure following the attack," said Craig Atkins, Leader of the Animal Care Team that rescued the dazed White Tip. Amazingly, Aquarium staff expect the shark to make a full recovery.
Although conditioned to feed on a schedule each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, sharks are still predatory animals and sometimes nature happens.
Started a little something like this...(ten minutes before stingray feed)
Guest: Are the sharks getting fed today?
Me: No, the sharks eat tomorrow.
Guest: Than what does that big shark behind you have in it's mouth?
Me:
The picture is really big so you will have to click the link to see it. I also attatched video even thought this isn't the video lounge. I am supposed to be getting more pictures beginning of next week and will make sure to post them.
Click for high-resolution picture
<LI class=body1>Click to watch video clip of Jesse chomping the White Tip <LI class=body1>Click to watch video clip of the White Tip's rescue
Here is the official press release.
Shark Rescued from the Jaws of Jesse
9 1/2 Foot Sandtiger Shark Attempts to Make Lunch Out of Tank MateBLOOMINGTON, MN (January 25, 2008) - So you think you've had a bad day! Earlier today at Underwater Adventures® Aquarium at the Mall of America, a four and a half foot White Tip Reef Shark found itself lodged in the jaws of Jesse, Underwater Adventures' largest shark.
A child visiting the Aquarium was the first to notice the shark sticking out of Jesse's mouth, asking if today is a shark feeding day. "That White Tip put up quite a fight, but it's really no match for a 300-pound predator like Jesse. The White Tip's got scrapes and bite marks along her back, but a shark's skin is like a suit of armor. Believe or not, we're enthusiastic the shark will be just fine, the wounds appear to be superficial. She was given an antibiotic injection as a cautionary measure following the attack," said Craig Atkins, Leader of the Animal Care Team that rescued the dazed White Tip. Amazingly, Aquarium staff expect the shark to make a full recovery.
Although conditioned to feed on a schedule each Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, sharks are still predatory animals and sometimes nature happens.
