Sharks galore at Bristol Aquarium this summer

A creature older than the trees. “Black eyes, like a dolls eyes…” A mysterious fin carving through the sparkling surface of the waves. Sharks have long fascinated the human imagination in many different ways.

From 20 July - 1 September learn all about these magnificent creatures at Bristol Aquarium in... Summer of Sharks!

As part of their sharky celebration, the aquarium will be challenging people to spot their sharks featured on digital screens in the city centre. As well as the aquarium’s friendly cartoon sharks, the screens will feature QR codes which people can scan and enter a draw to win a free annual membership for the aquarium.

Visitors can watch the aquarium’s variety of sharks being fed at the daily talks and will be able to get up close with some shark eggs and teeth at a daily workshop.

Bristol Aquarium is home to six different types of sharks, with breeds both native to the UK and from around the world. Guests will be able to find the lesser spotted catshark, bull huss shark, Arabian carpet shark, brownbanded bamboo shark, banded Japanese smooth hound and the Port Jackson shark amongst the thousands of aquatic creatures available to explore at the aquarium.

What is more deadly – sharks or lightning?

The aquarium will also be exploring Sharks vs the Media – Fact vs Fiction!

As they explore the aquarium’s variety of displays, guests will be able to learn all about the differences between how sharks have historically been portrayed in film, television and the news, in comparison to the facts about their behaviour and biology.

Throughout the summer Bristol Aquarium will also be hosting Oceanic 31, The Shark trust’s dazzling art exhibition featuring 31 different pieces of artwork highlighting 31 different species of sharks and rays.

Working at the forefront of shark conservation for 25 years The Shark trust have been touring the exhibition around the country all year. With a focus on policy, fisheries management, and lobbying, they are UK based, but globally active, working with stakeholders, collaborators and partners around the world.

Of the 31 featured species, ranging from the well-known great white and whale shark to the lesser-known pygmy longhorned devil ray, 24 are classed as threatened on the ICUN red list. Through the artwork, visitors will be able to learn about the global challenges that these shark species face.

After the exhibition has toured the original pieces will be sold – via raffle or auction. Additionally, a number of the pieces will be available as limited edition prints which can be purchased from The Shark trust’s online shop.

All funds raised through the sales of prints and originals will go towards the Big Shark Pledge, helping to fund their vital policy and conservation work, and communication and engagement activities, to help secure a better future for high seas sharks.

“It’s so exciting to be dedicating our summer holidays to one of the most famous animals on planet earth. Our host of talks and activities will bring the fun for people of all ages. Through our engagement we hope to educate people not just about the life and biology of our sharks, and the sharks that can be found in the oceans around the world, but also to help teach people about shark conservation, and how they can get involved in helping to preserve these beautiful animals for years to come.” – Sunny Hubbard, General Manager