Park Update
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Ripley’s Under the Sea Care Makes New Waves in Myrtle Beach
Ripley’s Entertainment shows the world that attractions can lead to a greater understanding of the natural world and even assist endangered animals. Meet Rip the sand tiger shark, and Cheddar the orange lobster, new arrivals at the Marine Science Research Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina…
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or more than 100 years, Ripley’s Entertainment has provided up-close opportunities to see and learn about the
weird, special, and unique. And while guests often leave one of the company’s more than 100 attractions wondering if all they saw can be believed – or not – those that visit one of Ripley’s Aquariums leave with incredible memories of time with the real creatures of the sea. With three aquariums in North America, Ripley’s
has brought what’s beneath the blue in view to visitors of all ages since 1997. Members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), all three aquariums are AZA-accredited, and meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare, and to date, have welcomed more than 60 million visitors. In addition, Ripley’s dedicates millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs for marine animals. Three years ago, the Marine Science Research
Center opened in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina so that the Ripley’s team could expand its care efforts as well as its conservation and research efforts. Since then, the Center has also focused on conducting critical research of sand tiger shark,
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including understanding their reproduction habits and cycles. Sand tiger sharks have extremely low
reproduction rates and give birth to up to only two pups at a time, every two years. Due to commercial fishing, the species is also critically endangered in many parts of the world. In May 2021, the Marine Science Research Center advanced its research efforts and artificially inseminated one of its sand tiger sharks. She was closely monitored, with everyone hoping
for healthy pregnancy and birth. In the months that followed, the Ripley’s husbandry team provided ongoing care and exams for the “Mommy shark” with ultrasonography, and around-the-clock care as her calculated due date came close. The Ripley’s team shared a shark “pupdate”
unlike any other on March 24, 2022, when Rip, affectionately named after Ripley’s founder LeRoy Robert Ripley, was born. As the first sand tiger shark to be born via
artificial insemination, Rip represents a new chapter for the future of his species. Since his birth, Rip has been growing at healthy, steady rate, just as he would in the wild. As of July, he weighs over 20 lbs.
(9 kg). Once fully grown, he could weigh as much as 350 lbs. (159 kg) and reach 6 feet (1.9 m) in length. “Rip marks a moment in history for all of us.
When research and care collide, sustainability for the species is possible,” shared Tim Handsel, vice president, husbandry, Ripley’s. “This shark pup is a crucial step for Ripley’s Aquariums and the future of sand tiger sharks in the wild. We look forward to introducing Rip to our guests and continuing our efforts to share the importance of sharks to the oceans’ ecosystems.” Rip is not the only new resident to the Aquarium
this year. A call to the Ripley’s care team offered the opportunity to provide a forever home to a rare and colorful crustacean. While unloading a routine shipment of live
lobsters, the team at a Red Lobster restaurant in Hollywood, Florida, noticed something they had never seen before. Amidst the other lobsters, was one bright orange female that everyone quickly recognized was something special. Orange lobsters are incredibly rare – there is only
one in every 50 million. With their bright coloring, the result of genetic mutation, they are easily visible prey, and therefore rarely seen. Red Lobster and
SUMMER PART 2 2022
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