The Singapore Oceanarium has achieved a world first by successfully breeding, raising, and releasing a bowmouth guitarfish into the wild, according to recent conservation milestones. Beyond this release, the facility contributes Indo-Pacific leopard shark eggs to the Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery (StAR) programme in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, where the species previously faced functional extinction.
Conservation Partnerships and Animal Transfers
Conservation efforts extend far beyond local breeding initiatives. According to Derbyshire, the Singapore Oceanarium actively partners with like-minded aquariums both regionally and internationally to support conservation work involving sharks, corals, seahorses, and other marine species. As part of these collaborative efforts, the facility has transferred whitetip reef sharks to Ocean Park Hong Kong and a grey reef shark to Burger’s Zoo to support ongoing breeding, education, and conservation goals.
Derbyshire also emphasized the structural shift of the institution compared to traditional venues. “An aquarium is very much attraction-focused. An oceanarium is a research facility that guests get to walk around,” Derbyshire stated.
Did You Know? The Singapore Oceanarium contributes Indo-Pacific leopard shark eggs directly to the Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery (StAR) programme in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, aiding an area where the species was previously functionally extinct.
Visitor Information for Ocean in Focus: Apex Predators
Visitors interested in the facility’s specialized programming can participate in the “Ocean in Focus: Apex Predators” experience. The session is priced at S$39 per participant, which excludes regular admission to the Singapore Oceanarium.
Sessions run daily at 9.30am and 1.30pm, with the exception of Wednesdays, when only the afternoon session is available. Visitors can secure bookings directly through the official Singapore Oceanarium website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Singapore Oceanarium’s notable breeding milestone?
The oceanarium became the first facility in the world to breed, raise, and successfully release a bowmouth guitarfish into the wild.
How is the facility helping restore extinct populations in Indonesia?
It contributes Indo-Pacific leopard shark eggs to the Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery (StAR) programme in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, where the species was previously functionally extinct.
How can visitors book the Ocean in Focus: Apex Predators program?
Bookings can be made via the Singapore Oceanarium website for sessions priced at S$39 per participant, excluding general admission.
What role do you think modern research facilities play in reversing the decline of endangered marine species?