Zoo celebrates rare shark birth, first in 103 years

SAN ANTONIO – For the first time in 103 years, the San Antonio Zoo is celebrating the birth of their very first shark pup.

While being the first hatchling is quite the accomplishment, what is even more unique is how this whitespotted bamboo shark pup came to be.

Colette, meaning “victorious” in French, was hatched from a rare process called parthenogenesis.

This is the result of an embryo being fertilized without the help of a male.

“It could be considered a partial clone because it contains half of the mother’s DNA,” said Macaulay White, Aquarist with the San Antonio Zoo. “But that’s all of the DNA this one individual contains.”

White said she discovered the egg in the tank.

She said usually parthenogenetic sharks do not usually survive past a few days, but Colette is healthy and growing fast.

You can visit Colette and her mother today at San Antonio Zoo in the Friedrich Aquarium.

For zoo hours, special offers, and more, you can visit their website.