Chinese Aquarium's Biggest Attraction, A Whale Shark, Turns Out To Be A Robot

Visitors of Xiaomeisha Sea World, an aquarium in Shenzhen, China were thrilled to learn of the colossal display of a whale shark. However, their excitement was soon dashed after they learned that the massive aquatic creature was in fact, a robot. Notably, China has previously been under headlines for questionable lack of transparency at public zoos with incidents of dogs painted to seem like pandas or wolves impressioned as exotic cats being reported.

Visitors flocked to the Xiaomeisha Sea World after it had reopened on October 1 following a five-year restoration to view the much-anticipated debut of the whale shark. Whale sharks are regarded as the largest fish in the world and can grow to lengths of more than 60 feet.

Reportedly, visitors had also paid $40 to see the attraction.

As per their accounts, photos of the mechanical shark taken through the aquarium glass looked like something from a low-budget science fiction movie. Gaps were visible where the segments connected in its torso. Many of them were outraged by this discovery, as they claimed that the aquarium’s marketing had misled them. Reportedly, many of them took to social media to complain about the incident and also demanded that their money be returned.

In response to the criticism, Xiaomeisha Sea World officials stated that the multi-million yuan robotic shark was developed under rules protecting wildlife, which forbid the trading or capture of whale sharks. The aquarium maintained that they never meant to mislead the public and the mechanical installation is a creative solution to comply with wildlife regulations.

It turns out the fake whale shark incident was not isolated. Last month, the Shanwei Zoo came under headlines when visitors discovered that the ‘pandas’ on exhibit were dogs that had been painted to resemble the popular bears. Even though they resembled pandas a lot, several onlookers observed odd behaviour, such as head shaking. As per reports, some ‘pandas’ could even be heard panting and barking. After close observation, it was revealed that they were chow-chow dogs, resulting in public ire and visitors blaming the zoo management for mistreating and abusing animals.