Chinese aquarium under fire for robotic ‘giant shark’ display
Visitors disillusioned by robotic 'giant shark' at Chinese aquarium
China’s zoos have frequently faced allegations of showcasing fake animals, like dogs painted as pandas or wolves disguised as exotic cats. Now, a similar controversy has emerged at a Chinese aquarium, drawing criticism from disillusioned visitors.
At Xiaomeisha Sea World in Shenzhen, the incident occurred following its reopening on 1 October after a five-year renovation. The attraction had garnered excitement around its “giant shark” display, with crowds eager to see a colossal whale shark, the largest fish in the world, which can measure over 60 feet. However, visitors were quickly disappointed upon discovering that the anticipated sea creature was actually a robotic replica.
Photos taken through the aquarium’s glass revealed the mechanical shark, with visible gaps in its torso where the segments connected, resembling a prop from a low-budget science fiction film. The revelation triggered outrage among guests, many of whom felt deceived by the aquarium’s promotional materials.
中国深圳最大の新水族館"小梅沙海洋世界"の目ものだった甚平鮫がロボットジンベイザメで観客はブーイングで返金要求。
以前は本物がいたが死んでしまったらしい
他の水族館にはいるらしい。
元々ロボットだという触れ込みだった。
開発価格は百万人民元(約2097万円) https://t.co/qpsic7IQCY pic.twitter.com/eXJAjKQWh5
— のうまにあ 願榮光🏴🇯🇵 (@FreeAll_protest) October 16, 2024
In response to the backlash, Xiaomeisha Sea World representatives explained that the multi-million yuan robotic shark was created in compliance with wildlife protection laws that prohibit the capture and trade of real whale sharks. The aquarium insisted it did not intend to mislead the public and that the robotic shark was a creative way to adhere to these regulations.
This incident is not an isolated case. Last month, visitors at Shanwei Zoo were shocked to discover that the ‘pandas’ on display were actually dogs painted to look like pandas. Footage from guests showed one of the ‘pandas’ panting and barking, further igniting outrage over the zoo’s lack of honesty.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Aquarium’s Star Whale Shark Shocks Visitors – A Chinese aquarium has been criticized after its giant shark was revealed to be a robot, sparking outrage among fans.(read more)
- Indiatimes highlights the outrage over Xiaomeisha Sea World’s robotic whale shark, emphasizing visitor deception and China’s history of fake animal displays, sparking criticism and controversy.(read more)
- 10Play reports on Xiaomeisha Sea World’s backlash after revealing its star whale shark attraction is a robot replica, highlighting visitor disappointment and criticism over the aquarium’s creative but misleading solution.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Did Xiaomeisha Sea World use a real shark in their display?
No, they used a robotic replica of a whale shark.
Why did Xiaomeisha Sea World use a robotic shark?
They used a robotic shark to comply with wildlife protection laws.
What was the public’s reaction to the robotic shark at Xiaomeisha Sea World?
Visitors felt deceived and expressed outrage over the misleading promotional materials.
Has this kind of incident happened before in China?
Yes, similar incidents include painted dogs being showcased as pandas at Shanwei Zoo.
How did Xiaomeisha Sea World respond to the criticism?
They stated the robotic shark was a creative way to comply with wildlife protection laws.
