SEA LIFE Aquarium Introduces New Shark

Zebra shark released to celebrate Shark Week

CONCORD, N.C. (July 10, 2015) – SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium (SEA LIFE) released a zebra shark, a new species for the aquarium, into its tank earlier today. SEA LIFE guests welcomed the 4-foot young shark into her new home and spent the morning learning more about the new creature during special Shark Week educational sessions. The zebra shark joins SEA LIFE as the seventh species of shark living at the aquarium.

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, zebra sharks can grow up to eight feet in length. The species is named after the pattern of narrow lines found on juveniles. The zebra shark’s prominent body ridges and remarkably long tail help distinguish it from other species of sharks. Nicknamed “carpet fish”, these bottom-dwelling creatures have the ability to breathe easily while resting on the sea floor.

While young zebra sharks begin life with stripes on their skin, as they grow, the stripes spread and become spots. SEA LIFE Aquarium in Brighton, England named its zebra shark “Dotty” because of the creature’s distinctive markings.  

 

“The zebra shark is a great addition to SEA LIFE’s family. This creature is unique in comparison to many other shark species, and guests now have the opportunity to see its striking appearance up close,” said Dalia Goldgor, General Manager at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord.

SEA LIFE Aquarium also partnered with the American Red Cross today and hosted a Shark Week Blood Drive to help save lives in the community. Presenting donors received free entry into the aquarium, an American Red Cross t-shirt and a $10 Visa gift card. To plan your visit to SEA LIFE or learn more, visit www.visitsealife.com/charlotte-concord.

About SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is a 26,000-square-foot indoor aquarium with another 10,000 square feet planned for future expansion. This one-of-a-kind attraction allows visitors to experience the magical world beneath our seas with marine habitats, displays, and close encounters with thousands of sea creatures. SEA LIFE provides a glimpse of the diversity of marine life while also playing an active role in animal and environmental conservation. Visitors see strong evidence of SEA LIFE’s Breed, Rescue and Protect activities around the world, including new projects developed locally.

SEA LIFE is the world’s largest aquarium chain with over 45 attractions around the world. SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is the sixth SEA LIFE aquarium launched in the U.S. and parent company Merlin Entertainments’ 100th attraction worldwide. SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord is located at Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd. in Concord, NC. For more information, visit www.visitsealife.com/charlotte-concord.