Georgia Aquarium Whale Shark Dies
Posted on: Friday, 12 January 2007, 09:47 CST
ATLANTA (AP) - A prized whale shark at the world's largest aquarium died Thursday night, the second death of a popular animal at the center in 10 days.
Ralph, one of four whale sharks in the only such exhibit outside Asia, arrived at the Georgia Aquarium in June 2005 from Taiwan, where he had been destined to become seafood. The cause of death was not immediately determined.
"Recently, he has not been eating well and has had some unusual swimming patterns," aquarium spokeswoman Donna Fleishman said. He was moved to another part of the tank after he stopped swimming and died eight hours later, Aquarium executive director Jeff Swanagan said.
Ralph was considered a teenager.
Ralph and Norton, the aquarium's other male whale shark, arrived together and were joined a year later by two females, Alice and Trixie, in their 6 million gallon tank.
Whale sharks are the world's largest fish, growing up to 50 feet long.
Gasper, one of the aquarium's five beluga whales, was euthanized Jan. 2 after months of declining health.
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User Comments (2)
| 2. |
Posted by a on 01/18/2007, 02:21 I just recently visited the aquarium on friday a day after Ralph died. I was also amazed by the whale sharks. I too belive that it is not the aquariums fault.I hope that Norton, Alice, and Trixie stay healthy. |
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Posted by Noel Barrett on 01/12/2007, 16:00 This is such a pity. I visted the aquarium over the holidays and was awestruck by the majesty of the whale sharks. Before anybody blames the aquarium, it has to be remembered that these whale sharks were rescued from Taiwanese fishermen's nets where they were on their way to the dinner table because Bernie Marcus offered them far more than they would have gotten at market. I hope Norton, Alice, and Trixie continue to be healthy. |
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