Visitors at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World sure got their money’s worth recently! Visitors at the New Zealand aquarium witnessed a shark perform an unplanned and unconventional “cesarean section” on another shark!
Acting as midwife, the smart shark apparently knew what the Auckland aquarium’s staff did not – another shark in the aquarium was pregnant. Although it is common for sharks to nip at one another, this particular shark took a great big bite out of the pregnant shark’s side.
After witnessing several babies emerge from the gaping wound on the side of the school shark, Galeorhinus galeus, shocked onlookers notified staff. When the surprised staff arrived at the tank, the mother shark and four babies were rescued and moved to another location. And what is even more amazing – staff found four more live sharks inside the mother’s womb!
According to the Underwater World staff, the deep bite probably ended up saving the lives of the babies. Since most births take place during the night, many are eaten by other sharks or stingrays. All eight babies survived. After being stitched up, mama shark is doing fine as well.
A video of the incident is available on the Telegraph.
Shark photo Leya Gerlock
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the video on the telegraph…
Fair Trade – Did you click on the link to the Telegraph listed in this article? The video is the first thing you’ll see!
I’d say stay out of the water – particularly if you are pregnant! Very thoughtful, I’m sure, but I think one’s chances of having a nice day – or any kind of tomorrow, are diminished in its presence !
I’m suire everyone will want one, though – what with the state of the NHS.