Andrew is a freelance marine biologist in North Carolina focused on population and conservation genetics in hydrothermal vent communities.
WhySharksMatter beneath a whale shark
Following the deaths of two whale sharks in 2007, many animal rights activists harshly criticized the Georgia Aquarium for keeping these animals captive in the first place. I recently visited the Georgia Aquarium for blogger day, and the aquarium’s Chief Science Officer Dr. Bruce Carlson agreed to answer my questions about their whale sharks. I know that many of you have strong opinions about shark issues, but I wanted to provide the Georgia Aquarium’s side of the story.
WhySharksMatter (WSM): How did you get whale sharks to Atlanta?
Bruce Carlson (BC): Georgia Aquarium’s whale sharks came from Taiwan’s commercial fishery, which until 2008, caught a quota of whale sharks annually for food (the Taiwanese used large nets to collect them) . The whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium were taken out of that quota. The animals were flown more than 8,000 miles on a specially configured B747 freighter aircraft from Taipei, Taiwan, through Anchorage, Alaska, to Atlanta. All of the whale sharks were under the care and supervision of Georgia Aquarium professional staff, and were maintained by a highly advanced marine life support system.
Photo by David Shiffman
WSM: Please explain the medical care that your whale sharks receive.
BC: We have a novel, comprehensive health care/preventative medicine program for all our animals, including whale sharks. We routinely take samples including blood, which permits us to not only gather individual health data but generate biological profiles for several species.
Photo by David Shiffman
WSM: How are the whale sharks fed?
BC: The whale sharks are fed a diet consisting of krill, small shrimp and gel nutrients. Stationed in boats, Georgia Aquarium animal care specialists feed each shark individually by ladling the food into the water as the sharks swim alongside the boat.
(WSM interjection- I witnessed this feeding process and it was pretty cool to watch. Also, the Ocean Voyager tank is indeed large enough that multiple boats can fit in it)
Photo by David Shiffman
WSM: I have in the past argued that while the life of an individual shark might be worse in an aquarium than in the wild, the presence of sharks at an aquarium helps sharks as a whole by promoting education and conservation to the public. Would you say that your current whale sharks are better or worse off than they would be in the wild? Would you say that the presence of whale sharks in the Georgia Aquarium helps whale sharks as a species?
BC: The immediate answer to this question is “of course they are better off!” The whale sharks on exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium were all destined for the fish market in Taiwan and would have been killed years ago had they not been obtained for this exhibit (NOTE: Taiwan has now banned the killing of whale sharks in their waters). While they are now confined to an aquarium (albeit an immense aquarium!), they are healthy, well fed and receive expert veterinary care.
The ultimate impact that these animals have on the public is of great value. Prior to 2005, only a handful of Americans had ever had the opportunity to observe a living whale shark. Seeing a whale shark was only possible for those who could afford travel to far-off locations, or the lucky few fishermen and boaters who happened upon one out at sea. Since the opening of the Georgia Aquarium, over 10 million people have now had the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals and listen to an informative presentation about their biology. Standing only inches away from a 20’ living animal has significantly more impact than watching a two-dimensional animal on television or viewing a photo in a magazine. I am certain that there are now many more people who care about whale sharks and who would advocate protecting them, than there would have been without this exhibit. And, after watching the response of thousands of children, I have no doubt that at least a few of them will want to become marine biologists as a result of their visit to the Aquarium to see whale sharks. These animals will thus have an impact far into the future. Finally, as noted elsewhere, revenues generated by the Georgia Aquarium have been used to help promote research and conservation of whale sharks in the wild, particularly off the Yucatan coast of Mexico.
WhySharksMatter with a different whale shark
WSM: In 2007, the two whale sharks you had at the time died. Animals rights advocates used this as proof that certain animals shouldn’t be kept in captivity. What happened to Ralph and Norton?
BC: Several months prior to their deaths, the Aquarium’s husbandry team observed that both Ralph and Norton stopped eating within a few days of each other. One theory to this loss of appetite was a series of conservative treatments used in 2006 to manage parasites in the 6.8 million gallon Ocean Voyager exhibit (other theories were also considered). The other whale sharks inhabiting the exhibit did not experience this same course of treatment (one that is commonly used in professional aquariums). As a precaution, the Aquarium immediately stopped using this treatment after the loss of appetite was observed. The necropsy performed on Ralph indicated that peritonitis, an inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, was the cause of death. Norton’s necropsy did not produce any immediate findings that explained the possible cause in the decline of his health.
Photo by David Shiffman
WSM: The Georgia Aquarium is one of the few in the world that allows SCUBA divers to swim in the shark tank for a fee (my local aquarium uses volunteer divers like myself). Some have criticized this program, particularly in the wake of the deaths of Ralph and Norton. Convince us that the program is safe for the animals in the tank.
BC: There are actually several Aquariums that have dive immersion programs, many of which allow people to dive with sharks. And as noted in the question above, we have a theory as to the deaths of the two whale sharks. In Georgia Aquarium’s dive immersion program, the safety of our animals and guests is our top priority. All gear used by the participants is aquarium owned and managed, thus we are able to sanitize the equipment, mitigating the concern of introducing something undesirable to the exhibit. During the pre-dive orientation, safety rules are carefully explained. Guests are instructed on the proper procedures and the importance of observation only during the event. The dive program is a guided tour; it is not a free swim. Any behavior outside of the instructions (such as trying to touch the animal or get to close to it) results in the removal of the guest from the exhibit. After the initial orientation, guests receive an additional on-deck briefing, reiterating the safety rules during the guided tour. Guests are instructed to stay together in buddy pairs and to follow the lead dive master. A safety diver brings up the rear and monitors and assists the guests, while another safety diver maintains the group from the side. Both the safety dive master and lead dive master carry a visual and physical barrier for the animals if necessary. A fourth dive master on deck monitors the dive and is prepared to enter the water and activate emergency response if necessary. For the safety of our guests, a first aid kid and oxygen are always on deck, as well as an AED. All dive masters are rescue and first responder trained and participate in semi-monthly extrication drills. There is also constant communication between the dive team and animal care specialists to ensure everyone is fully informed and aware. In addition to all of these measures, the Georgia Aquarium team appreciates and respects the animals and are ever diligent as to their locations and actions within the environment.
Photo by David Shiffman
WSM: Advocates for zoos and aquaria often say that money generated by ticket sales goes into research and conservation efforts. What conservation and research efforts is the Georgia Aquarium involved with?
BC: While the Aquarium already has participated in a multitude of research programs, in 2010 Georgia Aquarium is financially supporting and participating in more than a dozen research projects. Some of those include, but are not limited to:
· Three projects researching different aspects of dolphin biology in Florida and Georgia
· Three projects studying beluga whale biology, including continued field research in Bristol Bay, Alaska
· Continued whale shark research in Mexico, with two new foci on offshore aggregations and how they find food
· A study of spotted eagle ray populations off the coast of Florida
· Several clinical veterinary research projects that apply science to improving the care of the animals in our collection
· Sea turtle population monitoring in National Wildlife Refuge(s) on the Georgia Coast
· We will begin our first collaborative project studying Northern right whales, Georgia’s state marine mammal
The aquarium is proud of the research they support. Photo by David Shiffman
End of interview
Dr. Carlson paints a very different picture of the aquarium’s relationship with whale sharks than that of the animal rights activists.
The aquarium’s whale sharks were bought from fishermen, and would have otherwise been eaten by hungry Taiwanese. They have access to world-class medical care and healthy food. Money generated by ticket sales goes towards whale shark research and conservation in the wild, and the aquarium itself is full of excellent signage and enthusiastic volunteers who educate people about sharks.
In short, I think that the Georgia Aquarium has done a great service to these particular whale sharks and to the species as a whole. However, ethical debates aren’t just about what I think.
Do you think that it is acceptable for whale sharks to be held in captivity?
Do you think that whale sharks as a species benefit from the captivity of these few individuals?
Are you satisfied with Dr. Carlson’s explanation of the deaths of Ralph and Norton?
Do you think the “dive with the sharks” program is appropriate?
~WhySharksMatter
Note: This ethical debate is a heavily modified re-post of an earlier ethical debate on the old site, which can be found here. It is part one in a series of two interviews with Dr. Carlson about the Georgia Aquarium
I believe that there are pros and cons to keeping whale sharks at an aquarium; however I do think that some of the pros given in this article require further explanation. One of the interesting things is that whale sharks are there to educate the public, however where are the whale sharks mainly found? What I mean is can the people that are being informed about the whale sharks, really make a difference in the life of the whale shark in the wild? For example the issue at hand is that whale sharks are captured for food in Twain. How are people at the Georgia Aquarium able to save the whale shark population from becoming food? I believe that there are animal rights groups that truly make a difference in the life of endangered species, however the way that the argument is presented “educating benefits the whale shark population in the wild,” does not clear explain the actual benefits that this education has produced.
The one thing that I don’t agree with about holding animals in captivity is the fact that in most cases we hinder them from their natural instincts. For example in the case of the whale shark, these sharks are feed individually so if they ever were released back into the wild how would they fend for themselves. It seems to me that once an animal is brought into captivity, the likelihood of the animal being released back into the wild again is slim. There are organizations out there that nurse animals back to health and release them into the wild. I hope happens in more cases of regarding captivity.
To me the main point that I was able to gather from the article was the Georgia Aquarium bought the whale sharks to benefit their business first, with the animals concern next. I think that it is important to educate people of the conditions that wild animals are facing, however having the whale shark at the aquarium is very profitable, with such activities as being able to swim with the shark. I don’t necessary agree with allowing any person that can scuba, swim with the animals in the aquarium. The main point of the aquarium is to educate people about the animals, not to make them a tourist attraction.
Like or Dislike:
0 
6
“What I mean is can the people that are being informed about the whale sharks, really make a difference in the life of the whale shark in the wild? ”
Yes. People who visit the aquarium and learn about whale sharks often donate money to aquarium-run and Taiwan-based conservation and education efforts.
Also, whale sharks don’t just live in Taiwan. They are globally distributed, and we even have them (sometimes) here in South Carolina.
Finally, the threats facing whale sharks actually face most species of sharks, including more local species.
Like or Dislike:
9 
0
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
0 
10
@WhySharksMatter “I would love to see a proper study on whether or not aquariums influence people to go into marine biology.”
I would love to see a study on this as well. Unfortunately, I suspect that unless forced to go with a class of some kind, many of the people visiting aquariums go because they already have some kind of an interest in marine biology. I think there needs to be a way to get the word out on the subject to get more people in these aquariums. If we could get a more diverse crowd in the aquarium to begin with, I think this newly exposed crowd could see what an impact they could make in this great science.
As far as the whale sharks go, I think this particular aquarium was put in a sticky situation. I commend them for their initial intentions of rescuing these whale sharks. However, I’m not entirely sold on the care system. For two to die in such a short time, something is obviously not being taken care of properly. Now that the laws have changed in Taiwan, I hope to see a change in not just their care of these creatures, but ours as well.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
This article is very interesting to me, I thought the interview was a really good idea, and having it opened it up to the public even more. I think that it is ok for these whale sharks to be held in captivity, like Dr. Carlson said, it helps scientist get to know the sharks more, and then help the other sharks in the ocean. Also, It obviously better then having the sharks be killed and eaten.
I thought that Dr. Carlson’s explanations of why Ralph and Norton died was a bit brief, I thought it was a little sketchy, he just brushed over it, and really did not give any straightforward answer.
I think as time goes on, the ‘dive with the sharks’ program will be stopped, I think that there is more risk then there is benefit, although these people who swim in the tanks are trained and briefed about what they can and can not do, I think there is still the possibility that one of these huge sharks could attack, or one of the swimmers provoke it, and the swimmer is killed. It will end up being a huge lawsuit for the aquarium, so in the long run, I think its better to not have people be able to swim in the tanks.
Like or Dislike:
1 
3
Under these circumstances, there is little evidence the Georgia Aquarium is at fault for “housing” these incredible Sharks. The sheer effort taken to successfully and safely transports the sharks says a lot in itself. The sharks were facing the open market of Taiwan where the meat surely would have laid upon the extravagant pallets of Taiwanese consumers.
The absolute beauty of these fish is enough for the public to easily obtain a new found respect and appreciation for the sharks along with other aquatic animals.
Under the Georgia Aquarium’s circumstances, which may or may not be common within the realm of renowned aquariums, I must agree with their efforts of keeping these incredible whale sharks captive.
Like or Dislike:
2 
3
Very interesting. Do you have the full interview?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Keeping animals in captivity is a touchy subject. I believe it all boils down to circumstance when the question is brought up about animals being in captivity. Why are the animals there? What would be happening to them if they were not there? And most importantly, How are they treated? The whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium, as seen through this interview, are obviously very well taken care of. Also, as mentioned in the article, if they were not there they would just be used as food. I think that, although this whale sharks are not in their native waters they are still be taken care of and do not see a problem with them being held in captivity.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Due to the situation, it appears like the best action is to keep the sharks in captivity. It is better for the sharks to stay at the aquarium if they’re going to fed, cared for, and promote knowledge to others. They would also be less exposed to danger if they are not released back into the wild. The “Dive with the Sharks” program probably isn’t the best if the participants are not going to be fully trained how to interact with the animals.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
While I do not think that animals should be held in captivity just for people’s entertainment, I believe that the whale sharks in the Georgia Aquarium actually benefit from living at the aquarium. In addition, I think that the sharks at the aquarium are better off given that they are still alive; had they still been in Taiwan, they probably would have been killed and eaten by now. According to the Chief Science Officer at the Georgia Aquarium, the whales receive proper care for their health and they are well fed; therefore, I think that it is perfectly acceptable for them to be held in captivity, in this case. While the deaths of Ralph and Norton are unfortunate, it seems that the aquarium staff learned something from their deaths, and they will ensure it does not happen again. Although the specific reason for Ralph’s and Norton’s deaths is uncertain, I think that Dr. Carlson provides good theories concerning their deaths. The “dive with the sharks” program seems like a great program because there are many professional divers assisting the scuba divers; so, the program sounds safe, and it is a great opportunity to arouse an interest in marine biology.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
I agree with Cinderella about sharks should not be held for entertainment and to make a profit off of. The Georgia Aquarium takes pretty good care of those sharks and I the sharks do benefit from it. I just do not agree with the dive in program because these wild animal have not been tamed. They was born to eat anything they want in the water. These are powerful, strong creatures. I feel sorry for Norton and Ralph’s death though.
Like or Dislike:
0 
2
“Do you think that it is acceptable for whale sharks to be held in captivity?”
By and large I think the less animals in captivity the better. But for THESE specific whale sharks I don’t see the the ethical error in rescuing them. And it is obvious from this interview that a lot of good has come from this particular exhibit.
“Do you think that whale sharks as a species benefit from the captivity of these few individuals?”
Again, it is obvious from the information presented in the interview that a lot of good has come from these individuals. It raises both resources and public awareness necessary for research and conservation efforts. And its not like they are in bad care.
“Are you satisfied with Dr. Carlson’s explanation of the deaths of Ralph and Norton?”
Although the deaths of the two whale sharks are still ambiguous, I am satisfied with the explanation. I believe that the aquarium investigated to the best of their abilities. Why wouldn’t they? I do not believe that the unfortunate deaths of these two animals is any reflection of the morality of having them in captivity. As stated above, they would have died anyway so at least more good for the species as a whole was achieved before their death.
“Do you think the “dive with the sharks” program is appropriate?”
I don’t see why not. The equipment is properly managed and sanitized by aquarium staff, it seems necessary safety precautions are upheld, and I believe it further increases revenue and education.
I completely agree with what the aquarium has done and see no ethical faults.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
As humans, we have to make the decision for this animal. If the animal is affected poorly by the aquarium then I don’t think its a good idea to have it. I visited this aquarium a while back and feel like they are just like every other aquarium. They all do their best to make the animals feel like home….it just doesn’t work sometimes.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Well as us humans, I think its our responsibility to protect these sharks when other people tries to harm or kill them. I believe sharks should only be held in captivity if its better for that shark and they have a better chance of living longer. I do not think the dive in with the sharks is appropriate considering the two previous deaths but yet these are still wild animals. Another reason why sharks should be held in captivity is if they are on the verge of going extinct but other than that just leave the sharks where they are. I know I wouldn’t like getting put in the box for the rest of my life.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I agree that it was right for the Georgia Aquarium to buy the sharks form the fishermen. I do think that it did help the spiecies has a whole, that those sharks where studied. The Doctor did not explain in depth to what really happened to the sharks. The Doctor only talked about one of the sharks and not the onther one. So the question is still how did the other one die. Was it because of old age or something else. The program that the Georgia Aquarium offers is pretty cool. The way the Georgia Aquarium does the program seems safe. I think it is a good idea because it will let people see that sharks are not really “killer mechianes” like everyone and the movies portray them to be.
Like or Dislike:
0 
4
Doctor who?
Like or Dislike:
3 
2
Whale sharks eat microscopic plankton. They aren’t terribly frightening unless you’re a copepod.
Like or Dislike:
2 
1
Personally, I have always been in love with whale sharks. I think they are one of the most amazing fish that have ever existed. I love the idea of knowing that they are in the ocean swimming freely, but if it wasn’t for the Georgia Aquarium I may have never stumbled upon how fascinating these fish are.
So, in my opinion, I agree that it is acceptable for the Georgia Aquarium to hold whale sharks in captivity for a couple of reasons:
1)If the two whale sharks were not saved by the Georgia Aquarium, they would have been on someone’s plate in Taiwan long before they passed away in Atlanta. (Plus, I never would have seen them.)
2)I have not only been to the Georgia Aquarium, but I have also seen the Killer Whales at Sea World, and in my personal opinion, the whale sharks at the Aquarium live a way better life (in what also seems to be a way better tank).
3)Georgia Aquarium takes extensive time and effort into taking care of their whale sharks. They show true interest in this particular fish and I feel that they truly want it to not only be a fascinating experience for visitors, but also a learning experience.
4)With proper care and environment, I feel that these whale sharks can thrive and that the Georgia Aquarium is doing them a favor.
5)Although the explanations for Ralph and Norton’s deaths are not very straight forward, I am satisfied with the answer. Peritonitis is easily caused by bacteria, so instead of arguing about whether or not keeping the whale sharks captive is acceptable, we should be arguing over things to do to make it a better place for them. I am sure that the aquarium did all that they could.
6)The “dive with the sharks” program is amazing. The aquarium handles this dive better than any aquarium I have seen before. They are very clear on the rules and they truly want your experience to be worthwhile. I read a newspaper article not too long ago about people paying a man in Taiwan to take them swimming with whale sharks in the open ocean. What makes it any different in an aquarium? In fact, it’s a lot safer and in my opinion, has done no harm to the whale shark. It is a great learning experience that does not need to go away!
Overall, I think that the whale sharks are being treated right and could thrive properly in the Georgia Aquarium. Killer Whales attack divers at Sea World all the time, but they still wake up the next morning and put on a show. Yes, it’s sad that two of the whale sharks died, but does that mean it was a terrible idea to have these amazing creatures in captivity in the first place?
Like or Dislike:
2 
0
As far as the question on is it beneficial to hold any animal, in this case the whale shark, captive in a aquarium, I have to say in my opinion it is. I believe there are many species that very few people understand or know about unless they go to aquariums or zoos. As far as the whale shark goes, I feel it is very beneficial for them to be relocated in Georgia because I myself have never seen a whale shark in person but I loved to read of their massive size and how they survived on such little prey in zoo books growing up and this exhibit will help to as well explain these animals to many who will never get to experience them in real life. For these sharks that would have been food, I am sure they are satisfied with where they have ended up. They are not only getting personal care from their trainers but they are allowing us to view their majestic ways and get a chance to better understand their purpose in our world with all the different programs offered by the Georgia aquarium. Although there is always the questionable topic of it being safe to hold these animals outside of their natural habitats I do feel it is sometimes necessary to take a few and maintain them in aquariums to allow people the ability to see and understand the purpose of the species in person.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I believe that it is acceptable for whale sharks to be held in captivity, as long as they are well taken care of and not showing any signs of distress; especially if keeping sharks in captivity allows people to study them and help the population in the wild. Even though I didn’t understand the exact cause of Norton and Ralph’s death, I believe that whatever was found will help the future lives of other whale sharks that are captured. The “dive with the sharks” program seems to be a great program for shark lovers and people who want to explore the sharks living environment. Overall, as long as the fish that are captive are treated well and kept healthy, I think this is a great idea and it educates people who are interested but don’t have the funds or resources to actually see any of these fish. I also think the interview with Dr. Carlson was great! It definitely gives insight on the Georgia Aquarium!
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
If one were to take the view that captivity is wrong in all manners, then he would oppose all aquariums and zoos. Aquariums and zoos are very advantageous for learning. We start learning about animals at a very young age. Each one of us can remember at least one visit to a zoo or aquarium during our childhood. Whether we knew it or not, we were learning. For example, I am a visual learner, so the combination of reading the information about the animal provided on the sign with the presence of the animal reinforced what I had just read. Beyond one’s childhood, aquariums provide a place for students studying marine biology to actively learn. Their interaction with the animals, including whale sharks, in the aquarium prepares them for the possibility of working in the animals natural environment in the future. In general, the topic of keeping particular animals in captivity is relative. For example, saving an animal that is following the path to extinction from being eaten is a relatively good reasoning for placing it in captivity. For animals that are threatened by extinction, temporary captivity in order to increase reproduction and/or population may be advantageous, but this, of course, is also dependent upon the species (long gestation, aggressive, prey/predator) and its natural environment.
Having a dive program available at an aquarium is a great learning opportunity, but I think it should be limited to those with scuba diving certification; otherwise, the program would be too risky, both for the shark and the diver. If this stipulation presents itself as a problem, maybe the aquarium can partner with a school or organization that gives scuba certification and give referrals.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
It seems that the Georgia Aquarium is promoting whale sharks in a positive way by allowing the public to see these huge, magical fish up close. Seeing animals in captivity makes me sad sometimes, however I know that the animals are actually better off in an aquarium where their health and diet is closely monitored. People that work in the aquarium are able to observe the animal’s habits, and promote those observations to others in a way that will help the species as a whole. All animals die at some point, and mistakes can be made without realization, so I don’t think the Georgia Aquarium was to blame for the recent deaths of a couple whale sharks. I wonder, however, if aquariums consider keeping a whale shark for only a year or so, and replacing it back into the wild to live a normal life? I guess that could be too much trauma for the shark once it has adapted to a more domesticated lifestyle.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
“if aquariums consider keeping a whale shark for only a year or so, and replacing it back into the wild to live a normal life? I guess that could be too much trauma for the shark once it has adapted to a more domesticated lifestyle.”
Transport of a forty foot fish is extremely expensive, and probably a little traumatic in of itself.
Like or Dislike:
2 
0
I can remember the first time I went on a father daughter trip to see the Baltimore aquarium. I had always had a fascination about the sea and I was happiest at the water’s edge. I would always be the last one of my siblings to beg my parents to stay after the sun fell whenever we visited the beach. However, standing at the oceans edge does not compare to the excitement and discovery I experienced at the Baltimore aquarium. The exhibits at the Baltimore aquarium fed my curiosity. For the first time I was actually seeing what l had only imagined rested below ocean waves. The Georgia Aquarium’s whale shark exhibit is unique and I see no harm in its existence. And the sharks were saved from their track to a white platted dinner? Then yes, the sharks were better off inside Georgia Aquarium’s walls. It looks like they even had a first class plane ride over from Taiwan. Their guaranteed food, and they have health insurance? Sounds like a good deal to me. The biggest benefit I see by their presence in the Georgia Aquarium, however, is their ability to spark the imagination of millions of kids. Many never get to see what lies beneath the undulating ocean waves, now millions get an IMAX-type view. The appreciations for the ocean that can be birthed inside the walls of an aquarium are priceless.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
Not to be redundant, but one must consider the small percentage of these creatures that are being put on “display” for the greater good of the entire species. By sparking the awareness, fascination (funds) for these creatures they are given a greater opportunity for survival in the “big picture.” The media and animal activists love to dwell in the seeming “I told you so” stories (such as the death of the two whale sharks) however, seeing how they WERE destined to die before they were even brought to live in the seemingly ample conditions in the first place, it is not as if their lives were extended somewhat anyways.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
I believe that the procedures shown and followed by the workers and volunteers at the Georgia aquarium are very professional, and as long as all whale sharks are kept in the same condition, I believe it is perfectly acceptable for whale sharks to be kept in captivity. At least in captivity we know they’re safe as opposed to the open ocean where they are subject to fishermen.
I do believe that the whale sharks as a species benefit from the captivity of a few individuals. Like it was said, not many people are able to see whale sharks first hand, and their exposure to the world makes people much more aware of their cause and more likely to have more interest.
I believe that Dr. Carlson gave the best answer to his knowledge that he knew about the whale sharks and how they died. He was not very specific about what the procedures of the conservative treatment were, but that is the best guess they have for the loss of appetite in the whale sharks. If there was a more through explanation I would find that more beneficial.
I believe that the “dive with the sharks” program is appropriate because the aquarium is taking several precautions to keep the whale sharks safe and are preventing any human error from messing with the sharks. As long as those policies are kept in place I believe it is appropriate.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
Zoo’s and aquariums perform an important function in conservation efforts. Empathy is a powerful tool and allowing people to view and establish real connections motivates and drives conservation. Sometimes trying to establish connections lead to programs like diving with the sharks. The dive with the sharks program seems a little unnecessary, but I have no real problems with it unless the whale sharks become agitated by the presence of divers in their tank.
Not only do these experiences create empathy but being able to monitor these whale sharks over a long period of time allows researchers to track and learn more about whale sharks in general, which is also important to conservation efforts.
I’m satisfied with Dr. Carleson’s explanation of Ralph and Norton’s death. Though there was no definitive cause of death, I felt reassured that it wasn’t due to intentional lack of care.
Like or Dislike:
3 
1
First, does the shark know it’s held captive? NO! So, it’s cool. But seriously, I agree with the idea that the sharks are better off alive (as opposed to being item #43 on a Chinese restaurant menu) and serving to educate the public. The whale shark is, to me, the most beautiful and captivating animal at the Georgia Aquarium. I can’t begin to imagine how many inner city children’s lives were changed by seeing such a magnificent creature.
Like or Dislike:
0 
6
It is very much acceptable for whale sharks to be held in captivity, especially in an environment that takes their best upbringing into great consideration. As stated in the introduction/ interview segment, Georgia Aquarium proudly states that their profits received from ticket sales and other things are used for the caring of their animals. So, who would argue that these whale sharks should have been Taiwanese dinner rather than being displayed for all of us to see in a healthy supportive environment?
Dr. Carson generously supported his response to the deaths of Ralph and Norton, and assured us that these deaths were not in any way correlated to maltreatment in the aquarium, so yes, I am satisfied with his statement.
The “dive with the sharks” program does not tend to phase me so much, and I do not feel it should phase anyone for that matter because these divers aren’t going into the fish tanks to harm the sharks in any way possible. I actually think it is great that there are individuals out there that are interested in engaging themselves with the sharks and getting a closer look at shark activity in the water.
Like or Dislike:
1 
1
Once again I do not like animals being held in captivity unless it is in order to help them health wise. They need to be released after that. I do not like animals in captivity just for profit.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0