Thailand releases first aquarium-bred leopard sharks to rewild endangered species

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by ReutersJanuary 26, 2026 at 04:04 AM

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Thailand has released its first aquarium-bred Indo-Pacific leopard sharks into the waters off Maiton Island in an effort to rewild the endangered species. The StAR Project Thailand, a collaboration between the government, NGOs, and aquariums, initiated the program in response to declining wild populations due to overfishing and habitat loss. Seven sharks, including Maiton, Hope, Spot, and Toty, have been released after being bred and raised in an aquarium for about a year. Before their release in December, the sharks were taught essential survival behaviors in a sea pen to acclimate them to natural conditions. The project aims to bolster the wild leopard shark population using the thriving aquarium-bred population.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters 30% Indo-Pacific ×260% Metavee Chuangcharoendee 70% StAR Project Thailand 70% Maiton Island ×280% Thailand ×290%

Keywords

leopard shark 100% rewilding 90% endangered species 70% conservation 70% aquarium-bred 60% thailand 50% habitat loss 50% overfishing 50% sea pen 40% breeding population 40%