Taking a bite out of ‘Shark Week’ from the Indianapolis Zoo

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Zoo brought ‘Shark Week’ closer to home as the annual tradition officially kicked off Sunday.

The goal is to celebrate and educate people on the ways they can help protect these mysterious sea creatures.

The zoo may be hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean, but it is home to the Smooth Dogfish Shark. A dogfish shark is a type of shark that can grow up to 5 feet and change colors from dark to light to camouflage themselves from predators.

“They are still sharks, but they are very docile. Very slow moving and it’s one of the most visited areas of the zoo,” said Carla Knapp, who runs public relations for The Indianapolis Zoo.

In addition to the aquarium, the zoo has the largest touch tank area in the country.

“What a fun way to learn about sharks by getting to interact with them and see them up close,” added Knapp.

For those wanting to celebrate “Shark Week” at home, the zoo has fun facts, videos, and shark conservation efforts online.

Knapp says one way to recognize “Shark Week” is learning how to shop for sustainable fish and seafood while at the grocery store by downloading the Seafood Watch app.