THE SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM KICKS OFF SHARK WEEKS WITH A MINIATURE SHARK TOOTH SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

FROM FEBRUARY 14 – SUNDAY MARCH 1 2015

The SEA LIFE London Aquarium is continuing their campaign to challenge negative misconceptions of sharks this half term by exhibiting a collection of beautifully carved miniature animal sculptures – made from naturally discarded teeth from their resident sharks – to kick off a programme of shark related activity for half term.

The new installation is the work of renowned miniature sculpture artist Hedley Wiggan, who has crafted six ‘hero’ animals* from shark teeth, shed naturally by the attractions collection of sharks every day. The launch kicks off two weeks of shark-focused activities, in partnership with the Shark Trust, planned to educate guests on the growing dangers sharks face in the wild, from overfishing to finning and habitat destruction which all seriously impact on global shark populations.

“When the SEA LIFE London Aquarium approached me I was excited to have the opportunity to sculpt with such an unusual material,” said Bolton based artist Hedley. “I’ve created people from pencil leads and fairies from cocktail sticks, but shark teeth are very delicate so a real challenge, even for me! I’m pleased with the end results and hope the sculptures help to change people’s perceptions.”

“We work tirelessly to educate our guests on the plight of these much maligned animals, and want to do so in the most interesting and engaging environment possible,” commented SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s Conservation and Education Manager, Rebecca Carter. “We hope people will enjoy the beautiful sculptures but take away an important message with them – if action isn’t taken now we stand to lose some of the oldest and most spectacular creatures in the sea."

*The exhibition is on display from 14 February - 1 March, and features breathtaking likenesses of a rare Giant Green sea turtle, a seahorse, a Cow-nosed ray, a Gentoo penguin, a tropical Yellow Tang fish and of course, a Brown shark, all carefully recreated in minute detail.

*Shark feeds will take place on February 17, 18, 21, 24, 26, 28

ends

For further information please contact Tansy/Amy at freerange communications on 020 7402 9966 or