Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center staff is mourning the loss of a female geriatric sand tiger shark, known to staff as Single Notch. The shark was humanely euthanized after being found in an unresponsive state and did not improve with emergency medical treatment.
“For nearly three decades our animal care and veterinary staff have cared for Single Notch, and she has been a prominent ambassador for the Aquarium, inspiring our guests and staff daily,” said Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, Virginia Aquarium president and CEO. “I am proud of our staff, who are devoted to caring for our animals. We appreciate support and understanding during this difficult time.”
A necropsy was conducted following the euthanasia. Additional testing and tissue samples for histopathology are pending further assessment.
Single Notch was a long-time resident of the Norfolk Canyon Exhibit. The Aquarium opened in 1986 and the sand tiger shark joined the Aquarium in December of 1995, making her one of the Aquarium’s original residents.
Under professional care, sand tiger sharks can live 30 to 35 years. Single Notch’s exact age is unknown, but she resided at the Aquarium for 28 years. Single Notch was one of two sand tiger sharks in the Norfolk Canyon exhibit, along with sandbar sharks and a nurse shark. Sand tiger sharks are critically endangered based on IUCN classification.
The Virginia Aquarium is committed to the highest standard of animal husbandry. To learn more about the Aquarium’s animals and exhibits, visit VirginiaAquarium.com .
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s mission is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. The Aquarium aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism, and sustainability, leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems. Owned by the City of Virginia Beach, the Aquarium operates as a city department in partnership with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation. The Aquarium is proud to be an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquarium, and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium's exhibits, including the animals and habitats. It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation and scientific research efforts, and the Aquarium's mission-related education programs. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our programming.
###
