Chinese aquarium accused of misleading visitors with robotic whale shark display

Xiaomeisha Ocean World in China is under scrutiny after it was revealed that the whale shark featured in its exhibits is actually a robotic model, not a live animal. The revelation has sparked a wave of negative reviews from visitors who felt deceived by the aquarium’s advertising, with some demanding refunds after learning that the whale shark was not real.

The aquarium defended its choice, explaining that it invested millions of yuan in the development of the robotic whale shark to comply with wildlife protection laws that restrict the trade and capture of real whale sharks, the world’s largest fish species. Only around 20 whale sharks are kept in captivity worldwide, making them a rare sight in aquariums.

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Xiaomeisha Ocean World said in a statement that its robotic whale shark exhibit aimed to “inspire everyone to understand the animals and their environment” and “with the aim of protecting the ecological environment.”

This incident follows another Chinese wildlife display accused of misleading tourists. Earlier this year, the Taizhou Zoo sparked a viral controversy when it was revealed staff had dyed a pair of chow chow dogs black and white to look like pandas.