Shock as Sydney Zoo confirms death of two bull sharks

News.com.au

23-05-2025

Two bull sharks have died at Sydney Zoo from an 'accidental impact'.
In a post to social media on Friday, the zoo confirmed it was 'deeply saddened' by the loss of its two marine inhabitants.
'Extensive investigations by our animal care and veterinary staff, with support from external specialists, included comprehensive necropsies,' it wrote.
'These examinations found trauma consistent with accidental impact.
'While the precise cause cannot be definitively confirmed, preliminary findings suggest a combination of environmental and biological factors may have played a role in this isolated incident.'
The zoo said all other species in the aquarium were 'currently healthy' and remained under close observation.
'The wellbeing of our animals remains our highest priority,' it added.
The bull shark section under the animal page on the zoo's official website has already been taken down.
Some animal lovers have reacted with anger to the news, taking to social media to argue such large mammals shouldn't be kept in small enclosures.
'Translation: We put a species that needs a huge amount of space in an enclosed tank and they ran into the glass walls until it killed them,' one wrote.
Another asked: 'How can it be isolated if two sharks collided with it'.
'Sorry but these sharks should never of been in captivity as bull sharks are not designed for tanks,' a third said.
'It is sad they have past.'
'Accidental impact from what? I think further explanation is owed here,' another added.
Bull sharks can measure between two to four metres long and weigh up to 600kg.
They are known to be one of the more aggressive species of shark, having attacked 119 people in Australia.