Local residents can get up-close and personal with native shark species during the South Carolina Aquarium’s Shark Week now through July 16.
“By celebrating Shark Week — and catering our guest programming to share what truly makes sharks so special and influential — we hope to dispel common myths about sharks and create a greater appreciation of their purpose in our world’s oceans,” said Drew Heyward, S.C. Aquarium’s senior visitor engagement manager.
Throughout the week, attendees can observe many shark species that call the aquarium home, including nurse sharks, blacknose sharks and sandbar sharks.
“Sharks are so often misunderstood and have a notorious reputation that deters many from understanding the critical role they play in the health and well-being of our oceans,” said Heyward.
Many of the shark species featured at the aquarium reside in the 42-foot-deep Great Ocean Tank, the deepest tank in North America, according to a statement from the aquarium.
While featuring local shark species, the aquarium will also offer shark-themed programs and activities including a scavenger hunt and shark tooth dig where guests sift through sandy substrate to discover real shark teeth to take home as keepsakes.
Educational programming will highlight shark biology, behavior and feedings.
The South Carolina Aquarium is home to more than 5,000 animals. The attraction also offers touch tanks where guests can interact with various species including chain dogfish. Additionally, the aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center is a working hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured sea turtles.
All Shark Week activities are included in the general admission ticket price. The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last entry at 3:30 p.m.
For more information, visit scaquarium.org.
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