The massive shark named Trixie died on Friday after "having difficulty navigating the habitat earlier in the day," the aquarium said. Her health quickly declined from there.
"Even after exhaustive veterinary and animal care efforts, she ultimately passed away," the statement said.
Trixie was one of the aquarium's first whale sharks and has been a star in its 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager exhibit since 2006, according the statement.
"She contributed enormously to our understanding of whale sharks and their care. Loss is inevitable, but that does not make it any less painful," the aquarium said.
The fish range in length between 5.5 metres and 10 metres, but can grow to more than 18 metres long.
Despite their enormous size, whale sharks live on a diet of tiny shrimp, krill, fish eggs, sardines, anchovies and other small prey.
Threats to whale sharks include entanglement in fishing nets, boat strikes, ingestion of marine debris and micro plastics, and in some cases human interference through unregulated tourism.
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November 30, 2020 at 08:19AM
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Endangered whale shark dies in captivity after health 'quickly declines' - 9News
"captivity" - Google News
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