The first time I went to the Miami Seaquarium, it felt like entering a dream. Enormous orcas leaped into the sky, dolphins performed in flawless harmony, and the colorful marine life showcased was stunning. As a kid, it felt nothing less than enchanting—a submerged realm awakened right in front of me. However, as I matured and started to think more profoundly, that feeling of amazement was replaced by unsettling inquiries. What was the expense of this event? Were these amazing creatures genuinely flourishing, or were they merely existing behind glass barriers?
That internal struggle intensified when I learned the explanation for why great white sharks are never found in aquariums. Even with their renown and appeal, all efforts to maintain a great white shark in captivity have resulted in failure. These top predators are designed for continuous movement over long distances in the ocean, and when restricted, they experience stress, confusion, and frequently cease to feed completely. In certain heartbreaking instances, they have even harmed themselves by crashing into tank walls. The greatest duration a great white has survived in captivity was merely 16 days—a strong evidence of their unwillingness to be confined
In contrast to other marine creatures that have somewhat adjusted to tank life, great white sharks represent the wild in its truest essence. Their physical and mental needs are just too significant to be duplicated in any artificial setting. They not only survive in the ocean—they flourish. And maybe that’s the key takeaway of all: not every being is intended to be showcased. The next time you go to an aquarium, take a moment to think about not only what you observe, but also what is missing. Certain creatures, such as the great white shark, serve as reminders that genuine freedom cannot be imitated—it can solely be found in nature.
