NEWPORT, Ky. — Newport Aquarium introduced two female zebra sharks onto exhibit Monday as a part of the Northern Kentucky attraction’s jaw-some lineup of Shark Week festivities.

Hatched on March 6, 2014 at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Calif. through artificial insemination, the younger of the two females was introduced to the 60,000-gallon Coral Reef tank around 1:40 p.m.

Approximately 10 minutes later, the elder of the two female zebra sharks, which is 15 years old and came from Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Neb., was introduced into the 385,000-gallon Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.

The introduction of the two female zebra sharks at Newport Aquarium stems from a breeding program sanctioned by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Newport Aquarium will be a new participant in Species Survival Plan for zebra sharks when they add two female zebra sharks to the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit. (Photo credit: worldwildlife.org)

The AZA’s Species Survival Plan for zebra sharks calls for accredited institutions like Newport Aquarium to help develop the population by arranging for biologically distant matches to meet in environments conducive to mating.

Once the 16-month-old female zebra shark reaches maturity, she will eventually make her way to the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit, where the 15-year-old female and two adult male zebra sharks reside.

These two zebra shark additions have increased the number of exhibited sharks at Newport Aquarium to 55 across 15 species, the most in the Midwest.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com