Blue the ragged-tooth shark has returned to the ocean after eight years in the care of the Two Oceans Aquarium, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Staff released her off Struisbaai on 19 March 2026. The aquarium said Blue arrived in May 2018 after a rescue.
A careful release at Struisbaai
The aquarium transported Blue in a secure, oxygenated chamber and monitored her throughout the journey before walking her into the surf on a specially designed stretcher.
Curatorial staff then watched her initial movement in the open water, with aquarium veterinarian Dr Ilse Jenkinson saying, ‘Catch and release is a central component of the Aquarium’s ragged-tooth shark conservation programme.’
Blue also carried acoustic and spaghetti tags that will help researchers track her movements, growth and habitat use along the coastline.
The aquarium said the data will support wider conservation work for a species it describes as critically endangered, adding that Blue’s release may help future generations of ragged-tooth sharks.
Curator Kevin Spiby said, ‘It was a privilege to return one of our largest ragged-tooth sharks to the big blue.’
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Picture: Two Oceans Aquarium / www.aquarium.co.za
