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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Sharks Enjoy a Cuddle

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(Newser) – British aquarium managers are going to begin training sharks with rewards and even hugs after US scientists have discovered that certain breeds of the toothsome fish enjoy human cuddles, reports the Telegraph. "Zebra sharks will even roll over to have their tummies scratched or allow themselves to be lifted from the water without any kind of struggle," said a spokesman for Sea Life Centres.

The new intensive training strategy is the first time it has been tried with sharks, and will involve food rewards and human contact. The change is expected to make it easier to care for sharks in captivity and calm daily feeding frenzies as sharks learn to wait their turn.

Anyone for a hug?
Anyone for a hug?   (Getty Images)
Brucie the shark in
Brucie the shark in "Finding Nemo" struggles to find his softer side.   (©hyku)
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Tales of a shark hugger.   (BBCWorldwide)

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3 comments
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Derni
Jun 3, 09 7:13 AM CDT
We know that humans need touch especially at an early age or they develop the failure to thrieve sundrome-maybe its genetic-present in all species? Evolutionary biology? Reply
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Circusdog
Jun 3, 09 7:59 AM CDT
Soon they'll be listening to Barry Manilow and redecorating the ocean! Reply
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+3
plstyle
Jun 3, 09 4:16 PM CDT
Why "more likely to be bitten by an American Tourist"? Why not a Jewish tourist, or an African Tourist, or even an Oriental Tourist? Those English pencil necks. Reply
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shark • ocean • fish • captivity • sea • Jaws • training • scientific research • aquarium • Sea Life • animal training

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