| |
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kelly Lessard (952) 431-9217
Apple Valley, MINN – Sand tiger sharks, leopard sharks, white-tipped reef sharks–swimming just inches away from you. Meet the sharks and rays at the Minnesota Zoo during the 20th anniversary of “Shark Week,” a fascinating week-long glimpse into their world presented by the Discovery Channel and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Sharks and their ancestors have presided over the seas for nearly 400 million years. But in the wild today, shark populations are suffering greatly from human activity. The 20th anniversary celebration of “Shark Week” teaches guests that sharks are important members of their ocean habitats.
Minnesota Zoo aquarists celebrate this fascinating yet misunderstood species everyday through research, caretaking, and education. The Zoo’s 218,000 – gallon Shark Reef exhibit inside Discovery Bay encourages guests to marvel at the majestic 6-foot sharks, including sand tigers and white-tipped reef, while studying the grace and beauty of giant southern stingrays as they virtually fly through the water. The hands-on Estuary exhibit represents a shallow sandy bottom coastal area and contains a variety of small sharks, including leopard, horn and swell, along with graceful bat rays.
Minnesota Zoo Shark Week Activities (July 28-August 4)*:
- Zoo open 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Coral Reef Dive Show, 10:30 a.m. daily
- Discovery Bay Shark Feeding, 11:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
- Coral Reef Shark Feeding, 3:00 p.m. daily
- Free shark-themed giveaways w/purchase in Gift Store (while supplies last)
- Children's shark craft (pop-up cards), 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Monday-Friday
Shark Week will air nightly on the Discovery Channel July 29 through August 5.
The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call the Zoo’s Information Line at 952.431.9500. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Visit aza.org.
*Schedule subject to change.
|
|