The event not only offers the opportunity to admire the world's most unique shark species, but also contributes to spreading the message of conservation and preservation of marine biodiversity.

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Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi is the place to raise and display sand tiger sharks in Vietnam.

Journey to get acquainted with the "gentle giant" of the ocean

Sand tiger sharks are impressive with their sharp, multi-layered teeth - creating a "scary" appearance, but are actually docile, slow-moving and mainly hunt at night. They rarely attack humans.

In the wild, sand tiger sharks contribute to maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems by regulating populations of small fish and benthic organisms, making the marine environment more stable and diverse. This species usually lives in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, at depths of 1 - 200m, along reefs or nearshore areas.

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Despite its fearsome appearance and sharp teeth, sand tiger sharks are actually quite docile and need to be protected.

To bring sand tiger sharks to Vietnam, Lotte World Aquarium's team of experts went through a thorough preparation process lasting many months, because this was an unprecedented journey, requiring special conditions regarding living environment, transportation techniques and a specialized care team.

Each individual is subjected to a rigorous health check and transported to a specialized tank that maintains stable temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and water pressure, under the supervision of international experts. Upon arrival in Hanoi, the “new residents” are placed in a special quarantine area, where the technical and care team monitor their health and help the sharks gradually adapt to their new environment before being introduced to the public.

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Sand tiger sharks are cared for and tamed at Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi

Mr. Tran Tat Dat - Animal Care Specialist, Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi Animal Conservation Department shared: "At first, the sand tiger sharks were quite unfamiliar with the new environment, so we had to closely monitor every small expression: from swimming style, reaction to humans and even eating habits. Each individual was fed with specialized tools to ensure safety and help them get used to the new diet."

Mr. Dat also said that to ensure the most suitable living environment for sand tiger sharks, the technical team must monitor 24/7 water parameters such as: salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH; light intensity... and at the same time conduct behavioral taming, helping sharks get used to the presence of humans, ensuring safety for divers and underwater performances.

Tourists enjoy meeting sharks right in the middle of the capital

According to Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi, the Main Tank area - where sand tiger sharks are displayed - has become one of the most popular highlights in recent days, especially with children. Programs such as "Marine Life Presentation & Divers Feeding Fish" help children and visitors better understand the habits and role of this fish in the marine ecosystem.

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Visitors will learn about the habits of sand tiger sharks through Marine Life Presentations & Diver Feeding

Ms. Ngoc Lan (Cau Giay, Hanoi) shared: “My child had only seen sharks in movies before and always thought that this species with sharp teeth was very ferocious. But when he saw them swimming gently in the tank with his own eyes, he was both scared and curious, keeping his eyes glued to every movement. After hearing the presentation that sand tiger sharks do not attack humans and only eat small fish, he became interested and asked many questions. I think this is a great way for children to have fun and learn more about the marine world.”

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Sand tiger sharks become the center of attraction for tourists, especially children.

Mr. Lee Hae Yeol - Director of Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi said that bringing sand tiger sharks to Vietnam not only marks a step forward in displaying and caring for marine life, but also demonstrates the long-term vision of Lotte World Aquarium Hanoi in building a model combining entertainment - education - conservation.

“In the wild, sand tiger sharks are facing a serious decline and are listed as “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN due to low reproduction rates, overfishing and marine pollution. By introducing this shark to the public, we hope to help visitors better understand this special creature, that it is not ferocious but on the contrary, is in dire need of protection; thereby arousing love for the ocean and awareness that protecting marine life is also preserving the natural environment for the future,” Mr. Lee Hae Yeol emphasized.

Le Thanh

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/lan-dau-tien-ca-map-ho-cat-xuat-hien-tai-viet-nam-2451418.html