Melbourne Aquarium Distressed Leopard Shark at Melbourne Aquarium?

C

CGSwans

Well-Known Member
15+ year member
Hey folks. Just wondering if anyone else has been to Melbourne Aquarium recently and noticed that the Leopard Shark in the reef tank (which is quite small for a fish of such a size) has developed a habit of continually banging his head into the acrylic? I watched for over 20 minutes today as he did it, and it's the third time that either I or my girlfriend have observed this behaviour (we're both regular aquarium-goers, as it's on the way home from Uni) in recent weeks.

Is this a sign of stress? And if so, what can be done about it?
 
Yes, it does sound very much like a stress reaction.

Large deep ocean sharks often bang into the walls of aquaria, not necessarily out of stress, just out of clumsiness, because they can't adapt to the concept of boundaries; but leopard sharks, being reef dwellers, usually adapt quite well.

The cause of the stress could quite well be the small size of the tank. (Completely different species of course, but I heard of one case where a large Sth. American catfish which had outgrown its tank, stressed/panicked and smashed through the end.)

What can you do?
I think you know the answer to that one. COMPLAIN - complain to the Aquarium; complain to the RSPCA and if necessary go to the media about it (sections of them love this sort of thing.)

Even if its not stress related, the leopard shark will not last long the way things are.
 
Sharks are also particularly sensitive to electric and magnetic fields, noise and vibration so it could be a change in the environment in the area around the tank that has caused this behaviour (which I also believe is a sign of stress).
 
Chris79 said:
Sharks are also particularly sensitive to electric and magnetic fields, noise and vibration so it could be a change in the environment in the area around the tank that has caused this behaviour (which I also believe is a sign of stress).
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The cafe/bistro is located directly next to the tank. Though I presume that has always been the case.

Ara - is it possible to complain to ARAZPA? I don't know what the role of the organisation in terms of animal welfare is, but they strike me as the most likely group to be able to force Melbourne to send "Leo" to somewhere where he could have adequate space - Darling Harbour, Sea World and Reef HQ are all possibilities.
 
CGSwans said:
The cafe/bistro is located directly next to the tank. Though I presume that has always been the case.

Ara - is it possible to complain to ARAZPA? I don't know what the role of the organisation in terms of animal welfare is, but they strike me as the most likely group to be able to force Melbourne to send "Leo" to somewhere where he could have adequate space - Darling Harbour, Sea World and Reef HQ are all possibilities.
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An idea l posted that when thought through, not so great.
 
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If you have a genuine concern for this animal's welfare, wouldn't the fairest course of action be to contact it's owner first?? This should also result in the speediest remedy of any problem and/or an explanation to yourself.

If this course of action does not result in a satisfactory outcome, THEN lodge a complaint with the RSPCA who have the legislative power to do something about it.

Complaints to the media result in sensational stories which may or not achieve something for the animal but WILL reflect badly on the whole zoo world by association.
 
Couldn't agree with you more Steve.

The aquarium is the best one to contact first. Going straight to the media without giving them a chance to explain the situation or rectify the problem will as steve said result in sensational stories. This will create ammo for animal libbers that may be unfounded
 
I have no desire to stir up trouble for Melbourne Aquarium, which as far as I know is a responsible and respectable institution. This behaviour (constantly circling the tank, banging the right side of the head just above the eye into the acrylic) is, I think, relatively new.

I think I shall seek a response from Melbourne Aquarium first of all. And I would be unwilling to go to the media without an opinion being sought from an expert in this sort of thing.
 
Steve Robinson said:
If you have a genuine concern for this animal's welfare, wouldn't the fairest course of action be to contact it's owner first?? This should also result in the speediest remedy of any problem and/or an explanation to yourself.

If this course of action does not result in a satisfactory outcome, THEN lodge a complaint with the RSPCA who have the legislative power to do something about it.

Complaints to the media result in sensational stories which may or not achieve something for the animal but WILL reflect badly on the whole zoo world by association.
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Of course, CGSwans with wisdom and experiance what Steve suggest is 100% corect.

It's just my experiance that aquaruim's and zoo's are always aware of animals showing sterotype behaviour!

How long it takes them to rectyify the problem usually depends on the publics response.

The best and quikest result would be to return the Leopard Shark to the sea. If he was wild caught as l think he would be.
 
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