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Discovery
The whale shark was both discovered and named by Andrew Smith, based on one that was harpooned in Table Bay, South Africa. -
First Whale Shark In Captivity
The first attempt at keeping a whale shark in a aquarium was by the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium located in Japan. -
Endangered Species
The whale shark was added to the endangered species list in 2002. The main cause for this was the increase in the amount of commercial fishing that occured. -
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
The IFAW was funded in 2004, which allows anyone to donate to help support them in the process of preserving wildlife. -
Australian Intervention
The Australian Government agreed on a recovery plan for whale sharks from 2005-2010 -
Ralphs Death
Ralph, a whale shark, was the first whale shark to die in the Georgia Aquarium -
WWF Efforts
The WWF organization began studying and keeping track of whale sharks since 2007 up to 2019. -
Nortons Death
Norton, a whale shark, is the second one to die this year. He was located in the Georgia Aquarium. -
Oldest Whale Shark In Captivity
The oldest whale shark in captivity is currently 24 years old and still living. It is located in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.