38 Facts About Rosie The Shark

The Unexpected Capture

Rosie the Shark's story begins with an unexpected encounter that set the stage for her incredible journey.

1. Initial Encounter: Rosie was caught in the Lukin family's tuna fishing nets off the coast of South Australia in 1997. This accidental capture marked the start of her remarkable tale.

2. Species Identification: Identified as a great white shark, Rosie belongs to one of the largest predatory fish species in the world. Great whites are known for their size and power.

3. Hunger for Tuna: Rosie was trapped while feeding on tuna, which led to her entanglement in the fishing nets. Her appetite for tuna brought her into human hands.

4. Humanely Killed: Due to the infeasibility of safely freeing her, the fishermen had to humanely kill her. This decision was made to ensure the safety of both Rosie and the fishermen.

The Journey to Preservation

After her capture, Rosie's journey took several unexpected turns, leading to her preservation.

5. Initial Interest: The Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre initially showed interest in purchasing Rosie from the Lukin family but later decided against it. This left Rosie in search of a new home.

6. Purchase by Wildlife Wonderland: Wildlife Wonderland purchased Rosie instead and began the process of transporting her to their facility in Bass, Victoria. This marked the beginning of her preservation journey.

7. Government Impoundment: During transport, Rosie was impounded by the Government of South Australia due to a reported missing person off the coast. An autopsy was conducted at the South Australian Museum to clear her as a suspect.

8. Preservation in Formaldehyde: After the necropsy, Rosie was preserved in a formaldehyde solution in a custom-built tank at Wildlife Wonderland. This method ensured her long-term preservation.

The Challenges of Display

Displaying a preserved great white shark came with its own set of challenges and complications.

9. Tank Construction: The tank was a significant logistical operation, requiring collaboration with Melbourne Museum and costing approximately $500,000. This investment highlighted the complexity of the project.

10. Hazmat Precautions: The formaldehyde solution made the tank room highly toxic, necessitating hazmat suits for anyone entering the area to avoid irritation and potential health issues.

11. Ownership and Display: Rosie was on display at Wildlife Wonderland until 2012, when the park was forced to close due to operating without proper licenses. This closure left Rosie in a state of abandonment.

12. Closure and Abandonment: Wildlife Wonderland ceased operations and surrendered all live animals to RSPCA Australia and the Department of Sustainability and Environment Victoria. Rosie was left abandoned in her tank.

The Dark Period of Neglect

Rosie's abandonment led to years of neglect and vandalism, further complicating her preservation.

13. Vandalism and Neglect: The abandoned park suffered from years of vandalism, with locals damaging the tank and surrounding areas. Objects like chairs were thrown into the tank, causing further damage and releasing carcinogenic formaldehyde vapors.

14. YouTube Exposure: In November 2018, urban explorer Luke McPherson uploaded a video to YouTube showing the decaying wildlife park and Rosie's tank. The video gained millions of views, sparking renewed interest and vandalism.

15. Public Safety Warnings: Local police issued public safety warnings due to the dangers posed by the leaking tank and toxic fumes. This highlighted the urgent need for action.

16. Campaign to Save Rosie: The awareness generated by McPherson's video led to campaigns on social media to "Save Rosie the Shark." This effort aimed to prevent her destruction and find a new home for the preserved shark.

The Path to Restoration

Rosie's story took a positive turn when new ownership and restoration efforts began.

17. New Ownership: In 2019, Tom Kapitany, the owner of Crystal World Exhibition Centre, took ownership of Rosie. He committed to restoring her and displaying her at his center.

18. Restoration Efforts: Kapitany initiated a major restoration project, which included disposing of the contaminated formaldehyde and replacing it with glycerol, a safer preservative solution.

19. Glycerol Replacement: The process involved flushing out the formaldehyde and filling the tank with 19,500 liters of glycerol. However, the cost of this process was significant, with a goal of $67,500 but only reaching $3,554 at the time of writing.

Rosie's New Home

Rosie now resides at the Crystal World Exhibition Centre, where she continues to attract visitors and educate the public.

20. Current Display: Rosie is now on permanent display at Crystal World Exhibition Centre in Devon Meadows, Victoria. The tank is being continuously monitored, and glycerol is injected into exposed parts of the shark until the tank is fully filled.

21. Visitor Interest: Despite the initial neglect and vandalism, Rosie attracts a significant number of visitors each year. Crystal World estimates around 50,000 people visit to see her annually.

22. Educational Value: Preserving and displaying Rosie serves an educational purpose, highlighting the importance of marine life and the need for conservation. Great white sharks are a protected endangered species, and her display aims to raise awareness about ocean life.

The Broader Impact

Rosie's story has had a broader impact on public awareness and conservation efforts.

23. Historical Significance: Rosie's journey reflects the changing attitudes towards wildlife preservation and the challenges faced by institutions in maintaining their collections over time.

24. Documentary Filming: A documentary is being filmed by Flying Fox Productions to document Rosie's history, destruction, rescue, and restoration. This project aims to capture the full story of this remarkable shark.

25. Expert Consultation: Upon taking ownership, Kapitany consulted with shark and taxidermy experts to determine the best method for preserving Rosie. This consultation highlighted the complexities involved in preserving such a large specimen.

26. Glass Panel Preservation: Despite the damage to the glass panels around the enclosure, Kapitany decided to keep them intact as part of the exhibit's history. The tank has four layers of glass, with only one layer broken.

The Challenges of Restoration

Restoring Rosie was no easy task, involving numerous challenges and significant costs.

27. Toxic Environment: The tank's condition before restoration was dire, with toxic formaldehyde vapors posing a significant risk to anyone entering the area. This environment necessitated extreme caution and protective gear.

28. Restoration Challenges: The restoration process was not without challenges. The cost of filling the tank with glycerol was substantial, and delays were encountered due to financial constraints.

29. Public Liability Concerns: The owner of the abandoned wildlife park faced public liability issues due to the dangerous conditions posed by the leaking tank and toxic fumes. This concern led to the decision to destroy Rosie, which was averted by Kapitany's intervention.

The Role of Crystal World

Crystal World Exhibition Centre played a crucial role in Rosie's restoration and display.

30. Kapitany's Background: Tom Kapitany, the current owner of Rosie, has a background in botany, geology, and entrepreneurship. His experience with taxidermy and handling formaldehyde made him uniquely qualified to handle the restoration of Rosie.

31. Crystal World’s Role: Crystal World Exhibition Centre, owned by Kapitany, is dedicated to crystals, fossils, and minerals. The center now houses Rosie as a unique attraction, expanding its focus to include marine life and conservation.

Global Attention and Community Engagement

Rosie's story has garnered global attention and engaged the local community in her preservation.

32. Global Attention: Rosie's story has garnered global attention, with her video on YouTube receiving over 17 million views. This exposure has made her a symbol of both neglect and preservation in the world of wildlife.

33. Vandalism Impact: The vandalism at the abandoned wildlife park not only damaged the tank but also highlighted the need for better security measures to protect exhibits like Rosie. The incident also underscored the importance of public awareness campaigns to prevent such incidents.

34. Preservation Methods: The use of formaldehyde as a preservative has been largely replaced by glycerol due to its toxicity. Glycerol is a safer alternative that allows for clearer viewing and reduces health risks associated with formaldehyde.

The Importance of Shark Conservation

Rosie's story serves as a reminder of the importance of shark conservation efforts.

35. Shark Conservation: Great white sharks are protected due to their endangered status. Preserving specimens like Rosie serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect marine life.

36. Educational Programs: Crystal World offers educational programs and tours focused on Rosie and other exhibits. These programs aim to educate visitors about marine life, conservation, and the importance of preserving natural history.

37. Community Engagement: The restoration and display of Rosie have engaged the local community, with many people contributing to the GoFundMe campaign to support the restoration efforts. This community engagement highlights the power of public support in preserving historical and educational exhibits.

38. Legacy of Rosie: Rosie the Shark's story serves as a legacy for both the challenges faced by wildlife institutions and the importance of public awareness in preserving natural history. Her journey from a tuna fishing net to a preserved exhibit at Crystal World Exhibition Centre is a testament to human curiosity and the need for conservation.

Rosie's Legacy Lives On

Rosie the Shark's journey from a tuna fishing net to a preserved exhibit at Crystal World Exhibition Centre is nothing short of remarkable. Caught in 1997, she faced neglect and vandalism but ultimately found a new home thanks to public campaigns and the dedication of Tom Kapitany. Preserved in glycerol, Rosie now serves as an educational tool, attracting around 50,000 visitors annually. Her story highlights the importance of marine conservation and the challenges faced by wildlife institutions. Despite the odds, Rosie continues to inspire and educate, reminding us of the need to protect our natural world. Her legacy is a testament to human curiosity, resilience, and the power of community support. Whether you're a marine life enthusiast or just curious, Rosie's tale is a captivating reminder of the wonders and fragility of ocean life.