Our newest arrival is settling in well to her new, temporary home. Our staff are carefully watching her every hour; assessing her swim pattern, speed and how much of the one million gallon space she uses. So far so good!
Once they are happy that she is fully acclimated and relaxed they will turn off the bubble curtain - that for now gives her a visual cue as to where the large public viewing window is.
Meanwhile, you might get a glimpse of the newest great white shark at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on our Outer Bay webcam. Or better yet, if you're in the area, come and say hello! Her pretty toothy smile is waiting to greet you!
Our next big step is feeding. This young girl fed many times in our ocean holding pen. Shortly she will be offered a nice juicy wild Alaska salmon steak. Only the best for our animals - and of course a Seafood Watch "Best Choice" item. Our first female took the first meal offered; others have waited a day or two.
In the wild, sharks feed irregularly. An adult great white shark may have a large meal - say an elephant seal or sea lion - and not need to eat for at least another week. Some speculate for as long as three weeks.
A younger shark, like this one born earlier this year would feed on small fish, and most likely feed on a much more regular basis than their grown-up selves. Later their sharp pointy teeth - suited to small fish meals - will be replaced by larger triangular ones - all the better for chowing down on a blubbery entree!
We'll let you know how she likes her first salmon dinner. Keep tuning in for more!
Comments