Sharks Enjoy a Cuddle

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 3, 2009 3:03 AM CDT

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.
(More captivity stories.)

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