A new experience at the Singapore Oceanarium offers visitors an exclusive look behind the scenes of shark feeding and care, revealing the careful routines and conservation efforts involved in maintaining these ocean predators.
- Hands-on access to shark feeding and care routines
- Insight into animal welfare and marine conservation work
- Memorabilia and expert-led educational experience
What happened
The Singapore Oceanarium recently launched a new guided programme titled Ocean In Focus: Apex Predators, offering visitors an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the care and feeding of sharks. This 60-minute tour, limited to 12 participants, allows guests to observe how animal care specialists prepare food and feed sharks using various techniques such as broadcast, target, and dive target feeding.
Participants also receive hands-on learning opportunities including handling real shark specimens, examining shark eggs, and seeing the protective chainmail suit worn by divers during feeding. The programme launched to coincide with World Shark Awareness Day and features a mix of educational content and practical demonstrations designed to deepen visitors’ understanding of sharks and their important ecological role.
Why it feels good
This programme offers a refreshing perspective by moving beyond static exhibit displays to reveal the complex care and preparation behind maintaining healthy shark habitats. Hearing directly from specialists about the calculated schedules and welfare checks helps visitors appreciate the dedication involved in animal care.
Additionally, the experience highlights the Singapore Oceanarium’s commitment to conservation, showing how breeding, health monitoring, and rewilding efforts contribute to protecting marine species. The chance to engage closely with the animals and conservation staff fosters a stronger connection and respect for ocean predators and the environment.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors interested in participating can join morning or afternoon sessions, with some days offering the rare dive target feeding. Each participant receives exclusive keepsakes including a programme lanyard, shark species identification postcards, and a Dunkleosteus plush keychain.
Beyond the shark feeding experience, the Oceanarium’s broader work in marine conservation is inspiring. They recently achieved the milestone of breeding and releasing species like the bowmouth guitarfish, supporting conservation through breeding, research, and satellite tracking after release—an ongoing story to watch for those passionate about ocean wildlife.