One of Asian largest shark Aquariums, Shark Mystique of Ocean Park has opened. Redevelopment Plan (MRP), which brought to Hong Kong Asia’s first Applause Award. Shark Mystique will be opened to the public starting on 27 June. Riding on the launch of Shark Mystique, Ocean Park will present this year’s summer event with a shark theme. Dubbed Summer Shark Fever, the event will run from 28 June – 24 August.

360-degree Panorama of over 100 Sharks and Rays

The awe-inspiring new attraction features over a hundred sharks and rays, viewable through a 360-degree panorama that spirals down three levels, replete with extensive educational displays and state-of-the-art interactive games designed to convey the importance of shark conservation and marine biodiversity. Shark Mystique is also the first major new attraction to open after the completion of the Park’s Master. 

As a pioneer in removing shark fin from menus, Ocean Park stopped serving the dish in all its restaurants and at staff banquets in 1995. The launch of Shark Mystique enables the Park to further strengthen its conservation advocacy against the consumption and purchase of shark fin products. At the opening ceremony, representatives from eight leading local restaurant groups, covering a total of 135 outlets, pledged to offer alternative “No Shark Fin” menus and actively promote them to their patrons during the campaign period from July to September 2014. 

World-class Edutainment Experience

In tribute to Hong Kong’s historical beginnings, Shark Mystique features a façade reminiscent of stilt houses as found in fishing villages. Similar designs extend past the attraction’s entrance, themed as a shark’s mouth, welcoming guests on their descent down three levels into the world of sharks and rays. With two newly added skylights to complement the indoor lighting, the attraction offers a fascinating perspective of sharks from the depths of the oceans. Iconic species include ragged tooth sharks, whose fierce appearance belies their docile nature, and sawfish, a critically endangered species of ray marked by a saw-like rostrum.

To help guests learn about shark’s evolutionary history, biology and conservation status, the attraction features extensive educational displays, including a unique exhibit on shark anatomy that combines a transparent touch screen and a 3D model. The entire family can test their grasp of fun facts by playing interactive games, highlighted by a challenge to prepare shark fin alternative dishes in virtual fashion. Before leaving the aquarium, the public can show their commitment to helping stop shark finning by posing for a picture to say “I’m FINished with FINs”. There is also a panel for guests to make a donation to OPCFHK in support of marine conservation. In addition to daily public narrations and education tours, there is a Shark Classroom where classes for local students will be held.

Updating Venue

When updating a building that opened since the Park’s inception 37 years ago, a wide range of green features have been adopted, including a gas-powered absorption chiller system, with functionalities for speed adjustment based on guest traffic, the use of recycled materials for decoration, as well as energy-efficient LED lighting. Equally important, ramps and elevators have been added to make the attraction wheelchair accessible.

Shark Mystique also marks an enhancement to Ocean Park’s husbandry capabilities. An upgraded Life Support System (LSS) and additional skimmers have been installed to optimize water quality. With its vastly increased tank capacity – at five times the previous shark aquarium – aquarists will be able to attempt breeding shark species of particular significance, including the ragged tooth shark, which are categorized as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. These efforts will contribute to human understanding of the long-term sustainability of different shark species.

Summer Shark Fever Starts on 28 June

With Shark Mystique set to be this summer’s hottest attraction, Ocean Park is presenting a shark-themed summer event entitled Summer Shark Fever, which runs from 28 June to 24 August. Highlights include Foam Viva, a semi-outdoor foam party with dazzling party lights and riveting disco beats; Sharks Splashin’ Dance, a performance by shark-costumed dancers to convey “No Shark Fin” messages while presenting a soaking experience; and Kids Water Splash Area, in colourful, shark and marine animal themed setting where kids can play with foam or soak their friends with water guns.

During Summer Shark Fever, Ocean Park will offer a variety of cool culinary creations. Unique food and beverage offerings. The Park has also launched a new line of shark-themed souvenirs: a new James Fin moving plush toy; shark-shaped sunglasses; umbrellas with grinning sharks; and Crocs shark shoe charms. As the Summer Shark Fever footwear sponsor, Crocs has also developed two “Crocs x Ocean Park Jibbitz™ charms” sets featuring 6 of Ocean Park’s iconic characters; a total of only 5,000 sets are available. For each set sold from late July to August 31, Crocs will donate HK$5 to OPCFHK in support of the Blue Matters movement. Also, throughout the month of July, the majority of proceeds from the sale of selected merchandise will benefit Shark Savers.

Being a major pillar of Hong Kong’s tourism industry, Ocean Park will install a shark-themed sand sculpture at Arrival Hall B of the Hong Kong International Airport this summer. The sculpture will feature panels and screens carrying conservation messages. Arriving tourist will also receive a leaflet with a QR code, which entitles them to a 10% discount on regular Ocean Park tickets. The Park’s mascots will engage in meet-and-greet at the airport on selected weekends in July and August to give away shark souvenirs. The Park will also present various special offers in collaboration with various business partners.