Aquarium shark that helped ‘dispel myths’ dies
Howie, a sand tiger shark who had lived at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth since it opened in 1998, has died after changes in her behaviour and condition. She did not respond to medical treatment and was put to sleep; the aquarium said she had helped visitors understand a critically endangered species and challenge myths about sharks.
Believed to be almost 30, Howie grew to 9ft (2.7m) long. She first lived in the aquarium’s Great Barrier Reef habitat before moving to its Atlantic Ocean habitat, where two other sand tiger sharks, Ushaka and Mandela, remain on display.
In short
- Howie had lived at the Plymouth aquarium since it opened in 1998.
- The shark was believed to be almost 30 and measured 9ft.
- She helped raise awareness of a critically endangered species.
Explained simply
Sand tiger sharks are large sharks found in warm and temperate seas. Despite their rows of visible teeth, they are not generally considered a threat to people, and they are listed as critically endangered.
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth opened in 1998 and cares for marine animals while helping visitors learn about ocean life. Howie lived there from its opening, and her presence gave visitors a chance to see a species that is rarely encountered in the wild. Two other sand tiger sharks, Ushaka and Mandela, remain in the aquarium’s Atlantic Ocean habitat.