Keep Sharks Swimming
Though often misunderstood, sharks are undeniably fascinating. There are over 500 species of sharks roaming our ocean, all incredibly diverse and yet perfectly adapted to their environments. One species, the Greenland shark, can live for hundreds of years. Another, the whale shark, is the largest fish in the world. Sharks originated about 450 million years ago, even before the existence of trees and dinosaurs!
Sharks inhabit almost every marine ecosystem on the planet (and some freshwater ones, too!), from warm, coastal waters to the cold deep sea. Most importantly, these magnificent apex predators play a key role in their environment and are vital to maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. It is only now, in the age of humans, that so many species have been under threat of extinction from overfishing, habitat loss and other human impacts. Everyone can contribute in various ways to keep sharks swimming!
Act to Keep Sharks Swimming
-
Shark Research in the Caribbean
Concentrating in the Caribbean and working with global partners, our field scientists are conducting research to help best protect sharks and their ecosystems.
-
Global Finprint
Through a first-of-its-kind, international shark research project called Global FinPrint, Shedd and dedicated volunteers contribute and analyze data to assess the health and abundance of threatened shark and ray populations around the globe.
-
ReShark
Shedd is a founding partner in a collaborative effort called ReShark to recover threatened sharks and rays around the world. As part of its inaugural StAR Project, animal care experts are raising and releasing endangered zebra shark pups in Indonesia to bolster their populations.
Caring for Sharks at Shedd and Beyond
Our animal care team has been caring for sharks at the aquarium since its opening nearly 100 years ago, establishing our role as experts in shark and ray breeding and husbandry through a sustained commitment to animal wellbeing and scientific research over decades.
What we learn from sharks at the aquarium has helped to set the standard for exemplary care across zoos and aquariums and influenced global conservation and advocacy initiatives for sharks, rays and their habitats.
Nearly 2 million guests each year can see this dedication to care as they connect with the sharks at Shedd during a visit, sparking a wave of care and compassion for aquatic life that inspires action.
There are still many unknowns about sharks and their natural history. With new species being continuously discovered, we will never stop learning about this diverse and amazingly complex group of animals. With their populations declining at record rates, sustained scientific research and collective action is needed now more than ever to keep sharks swimming.
From reef sharks in constant motion to ocean-floor dwellers, these awe-inspiring predators are found across our ocean — and throughout Shedd Aquarium.