An aquarium in China has debuted a robotic whale shark, igniting debate on animal welfare and innovation. Photo: WeiboAn aquarium in southern China is on the radar for displaying a robotic whale shark instead of a live one. It has sparked a heated debate around the well-being of animals and consumer rights.
Online videos show a life-size robotic whale shark swimming through the waters of Xiaomeisha Sea World in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.
Some were fascinated by the exhibit, while others felt cheated. The aquarium charges 230 yuan (HK$247 or US$32) for admission.
A few netizens supported the aquarium’s approach. One Xiaohongshu user commented: “It’s a wonderful alternative to showcase large marine creatures without imprisoning them in a tank ... the aquarium should embrace this opportunity to educate the public on the importance of animal protection.”
This is not the first time an aquarium has used a robotic shark. According to the National Business Daily, a similar robot was first displayed at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park in 2022.