VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach announced the death of a female geriatric sand tiger shark on Tuesday.
According to the aquarium, the shark, named Single Notch, was humanely euthanized after being found unresponsive with no improvements after emergency medical treatment.
Single Notch had been at the aquarium’s Norfolk Canyon Exhibit since December of 1995, and was one of the aquarium’s original residents.
“For nearly three decades our animal care and veterinary staff have cared for Single Notch, and she has been a prominent ambassador for the Aquarium, inspiring our guests and staff daily,” Virginia Aquarium president and CEO Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis said. “I am proud of our staff, who are devoted to caring for our animals. We appreciate support and understanding during this difficult time.”
A necropsy was conducted on Single Notch after the euthanasia to determine the cause of death.
For more information, visit the Virginia Aquarium’s website here.