:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/RSZOGB6XEVA2HFELB3Q455LIWY.jpg)
TACOMA, Wash. — Sammy, a “super-senior shark” at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, has died at the age of 38, according to a zoo Facebook post on Sunday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sammy, our sand tiger shark,” the post read.
According to zoo officials, Sammy surpassed the median life expectancy for sand tiger sharks, which is 21 years in human care.
Sammy had been showing signs of ill health for a while, according to the zoo.
Scroll down to continue reading
More news from KIRO 7
- NY hospital to pause baby deliveries after staffers quit over vaccine mandate
- Woman saved by Snohomish County volunteer rescue team on Pacific Crest Trail
- Local debt collector to repay thousands of Washington consumers in settlement over ‘zombie debt’
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
The shark was described as “a beloved shark, and a gentle giant that captured the hearts of all with his slow, shy demeanor.”
Zoo officials said Sammy was the biggest and oldest shark in the Outer Reef habitat and was a perfect ambassador for shark conservation.
The zoo also pointed out: “Sammy reminded us all that sharks are majestic, beautiful ocean animals, at risk of extinction by human activities and needing our protection.
“Farewell, Sammy.”
©2021 Cox Media Group
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/ONGOLJAW6FBDXEOH5DAATAO5DY.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XPCB7DPUZXBOGGFV7HG3KGLP6M.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/CEW452N3XNBT3NXSP2YJF2Z36Q.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/QBRPVRX6BFDD3CAHA6I6DAIGBI.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/J3B34C4IKFG6FO2CJYG2WXVRE4.jpeg)