On Tuesday, July 14, Atlantis Aquarium Madrid joins the commemoration of International Shark Awareness Day. The aquarium has prepared a special program aimed at showcasing the characteristics, curiosities, and habits of various shark species, aiming to dispel common misconceptions.
Throughout July, diverse educational activities for families are scheduled. A notable initiative is a clue-based game for children to identify the ten shark species housed at the aquarium. Following the tour, children can participate in a workshop to learn about shark respiration, swimming, and feeding, and receive a badge of their favorite shark, according to Paula Calatrava, head of the Education Department.
On Tuesday, July 14 itself, free guided tours will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to provide a closer look at these sharks. These tours, running hourly from 12:30 PM to 8:00 PM, will delve into their unique features, interesting facts, behaviors, and their crucial role in ocean ecosystems.
The presence of sharks is vital for marine life, as these apex predators help control populations and maintain healthy ecosystems. Despite their negative reputation, global populations of oceanic sharks and rays have declined by 71% since 1970, with 36% of the 1,200 known species now at risk of extinction due to human activities.
The aquarium is home to ten shark species, including the Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus), Arab Bamboo Shark (Chilloscyllum arabicum), and Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum), among others. These species exhibit remarkable diversity in characteristics, ranging in size from 18 centimeters to 13 meters, and fulfill essential roles within ecosystems.
Sharks possess a cartilaginous skeleton, skin covered in tooth-like scales, and highly developed sensory systems, including electroreception and a lateral line, enabling precise navigation and prey detection. The Parques Reunidos Foundation, the Autonomous University of Madrid, and Chelonia are collaborating on a research project to protect these species by developing effective repellents to reduce accidental capture during fishing activities.
Atlantis Aquarium Madrid, located in the Xanadú shopping center since its opening in 2019, celebrates this day across its 6,000 square meters. The aquarium, part of the Parques Reunidos group, houses over 150 species across 20 ecosystems.
