Virginia Beach, Va. – Some exciting events are in store this week for a zebra shark and the spotted eagle rays at the Virginia Aquarium.
Thursday morning, Feb. 21, around 8:30 a.m. the fishes and veterinarian staff will conduct physicals on the zebra shark, Mena, as well as the spotted eagle rays.
These animals reside in the Red Sea Aquarium, part of the Restless Planet gallery.
During this procedure, Mena will be weighed and measured, and blood will be drawn. An ultrasound will also be conducted.
Mena arrived to the Aquarium two years ago where she continues to be the only zebra shark. Mena was wild-caught from Thousands Islands, Indonesia, and now calls the Red Sea Aquarium home.
Upon her arrival, Mena was 5 feet in length and weighed 37 pounds. She was named Mena by the Aquarium staff because Mena is a coastal area along the Red Sea.
Zebra sharks are listed as a vulnerable species.
As an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution, the Virginia Aquarium is an active member of the Zebra Shark Species Survival Plan.
Mena will be held by the Virginia Aquarium and, when sexually mature, be available for breeding with male zebra sharks from other AZA-accredited facilities.
Watch NewsChannel 3 for updates on Mena and the spotted eagle rays.
