As part of the World Ocean Day celebration, the Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] will be hosting the “Shark Week” virtually from June 7th-11th.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] invites you to join them for Shark Week, a week of JAWsome virtual presentations on the world’s top ocean predators! From June 7th-11th, viewers will get a daily BITE of shark knowledge during interactive virtual sessions, as part of the BZS World Ocean Day celebration.

“This multi-day event will offer an incredible lineup of presentations that will provide compelling insight on some of the most unique creatures of the ocean – sharks. With live on-location demonstrations from BAMZ and Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, Canada, this virtual event is sure to be captivating for the entire family.

“The virtual Shark Week event will feature Choy Aming, Senior Aquarist at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo [BAMZ], as he discusses the history of sharks in Bermuda and around the world, conservation related issues and how his co-led Bermuda Shark Project has shed light on sharks’ migration to Bermuda’s waters.

“Kate Cooper, one of the newest BAMZ Aquarists, will take viewers on a dive into the BAMZ Northrock tank to meet a brand-new resident – a first for BAMZ – a cow-nose ray! Questions taken from viewers about rays will be answered by Dr Matt Ajemian, Florida elasmobranch expert, who has worked with our native Eagle rays.

“Former BAMZ Aquarist, Winston Godwin-DeRoche, will introduce the sharks and rays that he works with daily from his new place of employment – Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, Canada. Beth Neale, the BZS mermaid freediving champion, will present new footage from her recent freediving reality series, featuring freediving with rays and sharks in Mozambique and the Maldives.

“There will also be features from BUEI as they present their shark teeth collection: Noah da Silva, a recent graduate of Warwick Academy and passionate paleontologist, Shane Antonition, who will present his work on shark oil, and Barb Freda, watercolor artist, as she guides you to sketch some of these underwater beauties.”

“We are thrilled to be able to host this Shark Week event, in honor of World Ocean Day,” said Dr. Alex Amat, coordinator of the event. “This collaborative effort, involving animal specialists, ocean enthusiasts and BAMZ/BZS friends from all over, is an excellent opportunity to highlight such a misunderstood ocean creature and its relatives. If this apex predator disappears from our oceans, the whole structure could collapse as they are a vital piece of the puzzle to keep a healthy balance.”

The BZS said, “Registration packages start at $50 for members and $60 for non-members – all of which directly benefits the BZS Education programmes. Viewers will receive exclusive access to the Shark Week presentations, a stuffed shark, a shark figurine and a copy of the “Tiger’s Tale” DVD signed by Choy Aming. Additional shark products will be available for purchase from the Shop at BAMZ when you register. Each session will be recorded and upon request will be made available to registrants that are unable to attend.

“Registration can be purchased here.

“The shared mission of BZS and BAMZ is to inspire appreciation and care of island environments, and as the support charity for BAMZ, the BZS is an example of a highly successful non-profit/public partnership. Each year the BZS provide more than 8,000 free educational experiences through our Stempel Foundation BZS Schools Programme in addition to popular community programmes for all ages, development of BAMZ exhibits, and conservation and research programmes. Each year, BZS Volunteers contribute over 10,000 hours of valuable husbandry support to the Aquarium and Zoo with all programmes being accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”