Aquarium shark exhibit bites into myths
Ah, summer - the perfect time for tourist dining at the beach.
At least that's what the shark thinks.
Or does it? Atlanta's Georgia Aquarium currently covers this and other toothsome subjects in "Planet Shark: Predator or Prey," an elaborate 14-gallery traveling exhibition created in Australia. The Atlanta showing, also its world debut, continues through September.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION "Planet Shark" is an out-of-water exhibit that perhaps pitches a few too many facts to preach that humans are pushing the fish toward extinction. Interactive computers, films and actual-size, cast-from-life replicas keep the experience lively.
After an hour or so at "Planet Shark," check out the 70 live sharks in the aquarium's permanent collection.
You'll know by then that they've evolved little since their prehistoric heyday and have always been efficient killing machines. Also, that while attacks on humans are rare, fatalities are rarer still. You'll learn sharks can sniff you from a mile away and can also detect vibrations, as well as a body's electrical impulses.
There's nothing charming about them. The curiosity-plus-fear that pulls you through the entrance never goes away.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE Is "Planet Shark" suitable for kids? Yes, if they're old enough for "Jaws"; especially if they enjoy Steven Spielberg's famous flick (some artifacts and footage from the 1975 release are on display).
The high-tech aspects kick in early, at amazing touch-screen computer consoles the size of small jukeboxes. They're programmed to cover the basics about the eight orders of modern-day sharks.
The monitors edge a room with tabletop display cases packed with shark fossils and the bones of modern species. A timeline puts the pieces in perspective.
By this time, you've passed placards with factoids pointing out the unlikelihood of your coming to a gruesome end. Out by the 20-foot great white replica, for instance, it notes that in 1996, only 20 Americans were injured by sharks - while 44,000 were injured in mishaps with toilet seats.
The second gallery holds wicked-looking jawbones of five species found along the Carolina coast. Another room holds eight life-size shark replicas - each as large as a kayak. There's also the prototype of an anti-shark suit.
"Planet Shark" takes a final turn toward the ecological in an us-vs.-them area: a pantry with packages of shark cartilage (a dietary supplement) and cans of shark fin soup. On average, notes a sign, six humans are killed every year by sharks. We kill more than 70 million of them.
IF YOU GO The exhibition runs through September. Admission is $31.50 ($23.50 ages 3-12) and parking is $10. Details at georgiaaquarium.org.
