Jakarta Aquarium & Safari (JAQS) celebrated Shark Awareness Day (14 July) with an engaging Storytelling & Talkshow event themed “Why do we have to love and protect sharks?”. Visitors, known as JAQSPlorers, took part in storytelling sessions telling important accounts of sharks and their habitat. The activity is designed to captivate children’s interest in sharks and nature, featuring storytellers from the 4Friends group and expert insights from Mr. Ismail Alaydrus of Conservation Indonesia, a renowned expert in shark and ray conservation.
Shark Awareness Day, attended by government bodies and non-profit organizations involved in marine, fisheries, and environmental conservation, underscores Jakarta Aquarium & Safari’s commitment to educating and raising public awareness about marine and terrestrial wildlife conservation.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, the global shark population is currently declining due to various threats to sharks and their ecosystems. Indonesia is home to 218 shark species, representing about 20% of the world’s shark species. Sharks are apex predators that play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine food chain. Therefore, conservation institutions in Indonesia, such as Jakarta Aquarium & Safari, are essential in shark conservation efforts.
“Wildlife conservation requires contributions from many parties, including government and private conservation institutions like Jakarta Aquarium & Safari. However, the role of the general public is equally important. That is why we organize this event, inviting various parties and visitors to celebrate Shark Awareness Day in an engaging and informative manner,” said Abdul Wahid Hasdar, Deputy Manager of the Life & Science Department at Jakarta Aquarium & Safari.
Jakarta Aquarium & Safari is actively involved in various conservation activities such as releasing sea turtles and planting mangroves in the Thousand Islands. Additionally, JAQS participates in programs organized by other institutions or organizations to share knowledge and support the common goal of preserving nature and its wildlife.
At Jakarta Aquarium & Safari, JAQSPlorers can learn while observing sharks, experience Animal Encounters, and take photos with animals like macaws, bamboo sharks, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, crocodile skinks, starfish, and many more!
For those interested in Animal Feeding, JAQSPlorers can feed stingrays, binturongs, and Humboldt penguins at Pingoo Restaurant while watching them swim joyfully in clear blue water. Don’t miss the spectacular mermaid theatre shows “Guardian of The River” and “Pearl of The South Sea,” blending land and sea elements. Want to dive with thousands of mesmerizing aquatic animals? Try Aquatrekking and Funtasy Diving. For a romantic underwater dining experience, enjoy the Anemone Dining Experience with sharks and large rays as your backdrop.
By booking the VIP Experience, JAQSPlorers will go home with a wealth of exciting experiences! JAQS Buddies (tour guides) will introduce JAQSPlorers and their families to marine and terrestrial animals, provide front-row seats at the mermaid show and penguin parade, and help capture memorable photos at all iconic JAQS spots. Don’t forget to bring home beautiful souvenirs from Ocean Wonder!
Find out more or purchase your tickets at jakartaaquariumsafari.com