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, has received a low rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars on Dazhong Dianping, a popular review platform in China. Tickets to the aquarium cost around 240 yuan (approximately S$44), leading many to question the value of their experience [76297b2e].
Critics took to social media to voice their frustrations, questioning the integrity of the aquarium for using fake animals instead of real ones. 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. 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 the authenticity and ethical considerations of such attractions [76297b2e].