While millions of people will be watching sharks on television this summer, families in Northwest Louisiana can experience the real thing during Shark Week at Shreveport Aquarium, happening July 26 through August 2.
Home to seven species of sharks, Shreveport Aquarium is celebrating these incredible ocean predators with eight days of live shark encounters, educational presentations, interactive activities and special events designed to inspire curiosity while helping guests separate shark facts from fiction.
“Sharks have fascinated people for generations, but they’re also among the most misunderstood animals on Earth,” said Karen Whitehead, Marketing Director for Shreveport Aquarium. “Shark Week gives us the opportunity to introduce guests to these amazing animals up close while showing why they’re so important to healthy oceans. We hope families leave with a new appreciation for sharks and a better understanding of the role they play in our planet.”
Throughout the week, guests can enjoy a variety of shark-themed experiences included with aquarium admission, including:
- Shark Talks & Feedings every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:30 p.m., where guests can watch the aquarium’s sharks dine while learning about their unique behaviors, adaptations and conservation.
- Science Chat with Mr. Pat every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m., featuring fascinating demonstrations exploring shark biology, myths and survival strategies.
- Sherlock’s Shark Story Time & Bubble Dance Party on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m., perfect for younger shark fans.
- Daily Shark Crafts, Shark Senses Lab, Shark Explorer Stamp Trail and Shark Art & Poetry Gallery.
- Shark Trivia & Tacos Night on Tuesday, July 28, featuring themed trivia, tacos, drinks and prizes.
- Zenon’s 9th Birthday Party on Thursday, July 30, where guests can watch the aquarium’s beloved zebra shark enjoy a clam-flavored birthday cake before joining in with birthday cupcakes.
- A Community Blood Drive in partnership with LifeShare (date to be announced), with participating donors receiving a LifeShare T-shirt and 50% off aquarium admission.
As an added bonus, the first 20 children ages 2–12 through the doors each day during Shark Week will receive a free shark-themed party pack with paid admission or membership.
Guests can also discover Yoko, the aquarium’s famous swell shark whose remarkable birth without a male present attracted international attention and continues to intrigue scientists studying whether the event was caused by parthenogenesis or delayed fertilization.
For guests looking to continue the adventure, the Red River Treasure Mine will once again feature the popular Megalodon Tooth Challenge, where visitors can search for fossilized shark teeth and treasures while one lucky guest each week discovers a giant Megalodon tooth replica.
From learning how sharks detect prey using electrical fields to discovering why stingrays are actually close relatives of sharks, Shark Week offers opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore one of the ocean’s oldest and most remarkable groups of animals.
For the complete schedule of events, visit www.shreveportaquarium.com or follow Shreveport Aquarium on Facebook and Instagram.
About Shreveport Aquarium
Located on the downtown Shreveport riverfront, Shreveport Aquarium is home to more than 1,000 animals representing approximately 300 species from around the world. Through immersive exhibits, interactive experiences and conservation-focused education, the aquarium connects guests with aquatic life while inspiring stewardship of our blue planet.
Media Contact: Morgan Nix, Programs Manager, programs@shreveportaquarium.com
