When it opens this May, visitors to Chester Zoo will be the first in the UK to experience the most cutting-edge “out of water” shark experience.

Planet Shark: Predator or Prey, a brand-new immersive exhibition, will feature a 360-degree underwater digital display, life-size shark models, the jaws of a prehistoric giant, and the megalodon shark, the largest fish ever recorded.

The immersive experience aims to draw attention to the wonder of sharks and the numerous dangers they face, such as ocean plastic and the black market for shark fins.

The conservation charity is working with global creative company Grande Experiences to bring the marine exhibition to the UK for the very first time when it runs from May 25 to October 31.

Charlotte Smith, Director of Conservation Education & Engagement at Chester Zoo, said:

“This ground-breaking exhibition could not have come at a better time. Years of fishing pressures and misrepresentation have pushed many of the world’s shark species to the very brink of extinction. The launch of Planet Shark: Predator or Prey aims to showcase these incredible animals in a whole new light, increase people’s understanding of the threats they face and show how together we can ensure their future.”

Showcasing millions of years of evolution, conservationists at the zoo hope it will leave people with a new level of respect for the ocean’s oldest and most effective predators.

Helen Dean, Head of Marketing at the zoo, added:

“Produced on a size and scale never seen before here in the UK, this is a unique experience that includes an immersive cinematic display delivered in a true 360-degree environment, life-size shark models cast from real animals and extremely rare fossils dating back around 370 million years.

“As a wildlife conservation charity, we want to create a future where nature survives and thrives and this experience will leave our guests with a much deeper understanding of these magnificent, yet sadly misunderstood animals.”

The experience will be unveiled on May 25 and remain open for free as part of normal zoo admission through October 31. Between May 15 and May 24, the zoo is giving its members an exclusive sneak peek of the exhibition.

Grande Experiences owner and CEO, Bruce Peterson, said:

“This will be a unique experience like no other and will tell the story of how important sharks are to the oceans, and the planet.”

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