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By Natalie Helbling
When someone hears the word pup, he or she most likely thinks of a cute and fluffy little rascal. However, the term pup can also be used to describe a newborn shark. Even though sharks are not as “friendly” as dogs, they can still be just as cute. But definitely not fluffy.
Earlier this week, the Maui Ocean Center had the pleasure of welcoming three grey reef shark pups into the world! The pups were about 22 inches in length and had zero health issues. In this case, a healthy shark, is a happy shark. The grey reef shark is classified as a Near Threatened Species, so the successful birth of these pups is some very exciting news and a step in the right direction!
Sometimes the Maui Ocean Center raises a pup to further their knowledge on the species, then later releases them back to the wild. But these pups were released off the shore of Maui the very same day they were born.
Since these shark pups did not require any special care after they were born, the aquarium staff believes that they’ll live a successful life in the ocean. Shark pups are also born with natural survival instincts, meaning that they’re independent go-getters who don’t need help from their mama.
These lucky pups were also blessed by the Aquarium’s Hawaiian Cultural Advisor, asking for guidance and acceptance as the three sharks explore their new home. In Hawaii, sharks are worshipped as a family deity, so they were protected and cared for instead of hunted or eaten. The Cultural Advisor blesses each new shark pup each time the ocean center releases them into the wild.
Check out the release footage from Maui Now below:
Good luck pups! We wish you a long and happy ocean dwelling life!