Georgia Aquarium's Whale Shark Sudden Death

[Sarah]

Great report, but I am sad for Ralphie

[seafox]

Truly sad. They were both magnificent creatures,
I visited the Aquarium shortly after it opened.
I strongly disagree with keeping large animals in Aquariums or any kind of enclosure.
I did find this aquarium made the effort to simulate a smaller but real marine environment.
Most enterprise claim that holding these beautiful creatures is for public education.
Unfortunately it's mostly for profit and greed.
When I visited the aquarium, I had the opportunity to speak to one of Jasper's attendants.
I was told he had come from an aquarium in Mexico and the fact that he had been badly treated was evident from scars all over his body.
He had much less body fat than the other whales
Nevertheless he seemed so happy of his new home and reacted well to being treated with kindness.
He seemed to be the happiest Beluga in the tank.
He was swimming, spinning and rolling and just plain having fun.
I guess it's all relative!
The extent of his injuries was severe, and at the time the keepers were happy with his recovery.
It seems that the months of mistreatment in Mexico finally took their toll.
The aquarium had great visibility because of the two Whale Sharks.
They are truly magnificient, and should never be confined to small spaces.
I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to dive with Whale Sharks on many occasions.
It is an amazing and humbling experience evry time.
I read of the death as well.
It was a very sad day.

Cornel

[Zero]

While a lot of people disagree with keeping animals like this in captivity do they realise the scientific data that gets accummulated from capture? No i will agree its not its natural surroundings so not everything will be the same but some things go on day after day no matter if its in the ocean and free or in a pool swimming in circles. It is a tragic loss whether it be wild or captive theres no difference there but sometimes a few things suffering can provide a lot more with happiness. Just my opinion.

Matt

[lars2923]

I have video of all four whale sharks not too long ago. Magnificent creatures.
I agree with some posts that containing these living beings for our viewing
pleasure is wrong. I also agree that unless we can and begin to do something
to protect them, the only place we will find them are at aquariums and zoos.
This is most unfortunate. As a diver, I have grown from just recreational
diver with curiousity to one that appreciates the life that surrounds me as I
dive. I have come to love and respect them. "Do no harm" is a motto I try to
live by.
Everytime I dive, I alway say my piece, "Not not touch or harm anything."
I just say it out loud, not to anyone specifically, just loud enough so people think that I am talking to myself, out loud. I hope they get the hint.
We are in their home, respect it as you would want someone to respect yours.

[jameshock]

In Atlanta, Georgia is a third beluga whale belonging to the world's largest aquarium has died,and its on Monday.
The exact accident of Nico's sudden death on Saturday isincomfort from the initial animal autopsy. The Georgia Aquarium searching many more information finding for mounting.
"As we work with and care for the many animals at the Georgia Aquarium, we become attached emotionally,"

[The Publisher]

I just don't see how one can keep large plankton eating pelagic animal....