The nearly 30-year-old shark, known as Howard or Howie, was put to sleep after staff observed noticeable changes in her physical condition and behavior that failed to improve with medical care. During her long life at the aquarium, she grew to nine feet in length after transitioning from the Great Barrier Reef tank to the Atlantic Ocean exhibit. Staff noted that she was instrumental in educating the public and dispelling negative myths surrounding the critically endangered species. Visitors can still see two remaining sand tiger sharks, Ushaka and Mandela, residing in the Atlantic Ocean display.
Key points
The National Marine Aquarium has lost its long-term resident sand tiger shark following a…: The National Marine Aquarium has lost its long-term resident sand tiger shark following an untreatable decline in health.
Howard served as an important educational ambassador to dispel myths about critically end…: Howard served as an important educational ambassador to dispel myths about critically endangered sand tiger sharks.
Two other sand tiger sharks named Ushaka and Mandela still reside in the facility's Atlan…: Two other sand tiger sharks named Ushaka and Mandela still reside in the facility's Atlantic Ocean habitat.
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A sand tiger shark that had been at an aquarium since its opening almost 30 years ago has died.
Staff at the National Marine Aquarium (NMA) in Plymouth said they had noticed changes in the behaviour and condition of Howard, also known as Howie, and she was put to sleep after not responding to medical intervention.
She was initially living in the Great Barrier Reef habitat before moving to the Atlantic Ocean habitat where she grew to 9ft (2.7m) long.
The team said the shark was believed to have been almost 30 years old and acted as an "incredible ambassador, helping to dispel many of the myths around this critically endangered species".
Staff said: "The team at the NMA are very sad to lose such a presence from the aquarium.
"A huge thank you to our valued visitors for your support and understanding at this time.
"Rest assured, our beautiful sand tigers, Ushaka and Mandela, can still be seen in our Atlantic Ocean habitat."
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