Underwater world of sharks revealed in a new exhibition at Chester Zoo

Visitors to the zoo will be the first in the UK to explore the world’s most innovative ‘out of water’ shark experience when it debuts this May.

The new immersive exhibition, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey, will feature 360-degree underwater digital display, as well as life-sized shark models along with the jaws of a prehistoric giant, and largest fish ever recorded, the megalodon shark.

The immersive experience aims to highlight the wonder of sharks and the wide-ranging threats they face, including ocean plastics and illegal shark fin trade.

The conservation charity is working with global creative company, Grande Experiences, to bring the marine exhibition to the UK for the very first time .

Charlotte Smith, Director of Conservation Education & Engagement at Chester Zoo, said: “This ground-breaking exhibition could not have come at a better time. Years of fishing pressures and misrepresentation have pushed many of the world’s shark species to the very brink of extinction. The launch of Planet Shark: Predator or Prey aims to showcase these incredible animals in a whole new light, increase people’s understanding of the threats they face and show how together we can ensure their future.”

Showcasing millions of years of evolution, conservationists at the zoo hope it will leave people with a new level of respect for the ocean’s oldest and most effective predators.

Helen Dean, head of marketing at the zoo, added: “Produced on a size and scale never seen before here in the UK, this is a unique experience that includes an immersive cinematic display delivered in a true 360-degree environment, life-size shark models cast from real animals and extremely rare fossils dating back around 370 million years.

“As a wildlife conservation charity, we want to create a future where nature survives and thrives and this experience will leave our guests with a much deeper understanding of these magnificent, yet sadly misunderstood animals.”

The experience will be unveiled on May 25 and will run until October 31 and is free with normal zoo admission. The zoo is offering its members an exclusive preview of the exhibition between May 15-24.

Grande Experiences owner and CEO, Bruce Peterson, said: “This will be a unique experience like no other and will tell the story of how important sharks are to the oceans, and the planet.”