Sharks in public aquariums face welfare challenges from space constraints, diet management, and the stress of an exhibition environment.
Large pelagic sharks including great whites brought into aquariums have died within days or weeks from the stress of confinement and inability to navigate open water. Smaller, benthic species can live long-term in appropriately sized tanks. Feeding live prey causes welfare harm to prey animals. Well-designed tanks with appropriate species selection and feeding practices can achieve acceptable welfare.