Sharks and Crocodiles Reproducing Without Mating
In a surprising turn of events, the Brookfield Zoo in the United States has announced the birth of a shark within its confines, without the need for male contact. The female epaulette shark, introduced to the zoo in 2019 at the age of three, has been able to produce eggs monthly without fertilization, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis. Despite most eggs being infertile, a single egg hatched into a 5-6 inch pup on August 23, bringing joy to the zookeepers.
Mike Masellis, a lead animal care specialist at the Brookfield Zoo, shared, “We are happy to report that our epaulette pup has been eating well on her diet of finely chopped capelin, minced squid tentacles, and other finely chopped seafood. Our colleagues at New England Aquarium have been a great resource as shark pups produced parthenogenetically can be very delicate.”
This phenomenon has gained attention recently after the first-ever virgin crocodile birth was observed in June at a zoo in Costa Rica. While mammals typically require genetic material from sperm for fertilization, parthenogenesis has been documented among birds, sharks, lizards, and snakes in captivity. This remarkable development challenges the traditional understanding of animal reproduction, proving that sharks and crocodiles, known for their strength and independence, are now able to reproduce without the hassle of mating.