Tears, Cheers as Ragged-Tooth Shark "Gen" Returns to the Ocean!

Photo Credit: Justin Blake

A Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation team excitedly and carefully transported an impressive 209kg, 286 cm-long ragged-tooth shark, affectionately known as Gen, back to the shores of Struisbaai last week.

Struisbaai, South Africa (06 April 2025) – After eight wonderful years as a beloved resident of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, Gen, the ragged-tooth shark, has finally returned home to the vast ocean!

According to the Foundation, the air was filled with excitement as the Aquarium team carefully carried Gen in a specially designed stretcher into the surf at Struisbaai.

Following weeks of meticulous health checks under the watchful eye of veterinarian Dr Ilse Jenkinson, to ensure she was in top condition, Gen practically leapt at the chance to return to the open sea!

Taking their cue from Gen on the big release day as she pushed against the constraints of the stretcher on 18 March, the team released her, with two divers keeping a watchful eye to monitor her initial open ocean behaviour.

Weighing an impressive 209kg and measuring 286cm in length, Dr Jenkinson declared the release a success, saying that Gen had a good and strong response before being released.

“She swam off quickly into the ocean with the Aquarium team watching proudly.

“This was a special moment for the team that cared for Gen during her eight years at the Aquarium as well as another exciting step towards the future conservation of ragged-tooth sharks,” Two Oceans Aquarium said.

Go well, Gen and happy swimming!