Whale sharks - the world's largest fish - are kept in a small number of large aquariums, raising welfare questions about the adequacy of captive conditions for these ocean giants.
Whale shark captivity raises fundamental welfare questions about whether any tank, regardless of size, can meet the needs of an animal that traverses entire ocean basins. Mortality data from captive whale sharks suggests capture and transport impose severe physiological stress, and confinement shortens lives substantially compared to wild sharks. Wild whale shark tourism - snorkeling and diving with free-ranging individuals - offers a welfare-compatible alternative that generates conservation funding without captivity. Where captive whale sharks exist, welfare monitoring should include regular health assessment, feeding adequacy tracking, and behavioral indicators of stress.