Visitors to Xiaomeisha Ocean World in Shenzhen were met with disappointment on October 16, 2024, when they discovered that the aquarium's much-anticipated whale shark was, in fact, a robot. This revelation sparked outrage among guests who had already expressed dissatisfaction over high ticket prices, long queues, and the perceived poor conditions for marine life. The aquarium, which opened its doors on October 1, 2024, charges around 230 yuan (approximately US$32) for admission, leading many to question the value of their experience [51be096d].
Critics took to social media to voice their frustrations, questioning the integrity of the aquarium for using fake animals instead of real ones. Some visitors felt deceived and sought compensation, while others supported the use of robotic animals as a means of protecting endangered species. In response to the backlash, the park defended its decision, explaining that real whale sharks cannot be traded and that the robotic shark was intended to raise awareness about species protection. The park noted that caring for a live whale shark would cost over 100 million yuan (approximately US$14 million), while the robotic version costs millions of yuan, making it a more financially viable option [51be096d].
Despite the controversy, the aquarium attracted over 100,000 visitors during the first week of October's national holiday. This incident adds to a growing list of controversies in China regarding the use of artificial animals in zoos and aquariums, raising concerns about authenticity and ethical considerations. Whale sharks, which can live 80 to 130 years in the wild, rarely survive beyond five years in captivity, and capturing them is prohibited in China. Legal experts have noted that the park does not breach laws if it does not advertise live sharks [51be096d].