Whale shark dies after aquarium staff notices change in appetite, behavior

ATLANTA (Atlanta News First/Gray News) - The Georgia Aquarium announced the death of a whale shark that had been at the facility for nearly two decades.

Taroko, the aquarium’s male whale shark, was euthanized Wednesday night due to his declining health, officials said.

“Our team noticed changes in his appetite and behavior through wellness monitoring, and his overall condition was deteriorating despite all veterinary and care interventions,” the aquarium said on social media.

The aquarium said Taroko showed more than 43 million people “the majesty of his species” since he arrived in Atlanta in 2007 after being rescued from Taiwan.

“He also contributed a wealth of data and information about whale shark biology, health, and behavior,” the aquarium said.

A necropsy will be performed to determine what led to his health problems.

“Caring for whale sharks is an immense honor and undertaking — we were privileged to know Taroko for so long and share him with all of you," aquarium officials added.