Experience a NEW adventure and come face to face with our Zebra Shark, Zeus! Open for pre-booking NOW!
Join us for a guided tour of our 3 largest exhibits, discussing facts about our impressive shark residents and uncovering misconceptions about them. Whilst at the top of the Atlantic Ocean Exhibit, the deepest exhibit in the UK, you’ll help prepare Zeus’ lunch then have your chance at feeding him! Zeus came to the National Marine Aquarium as part of a breeding programme in 2015 and has been in an inspiration ever since.
You may get a glimpse of our other animals like Southern Stingrays, Nurse Sharks, Sandbar Sharks, Sand Tiger Sharks to Friday the Green Sea Turtle. This experience is a unique way to engage with our energetic Zebra Shark, whilst supporting vital conservation work for our charity, the Ocean Conservation Trust. Our knowledgeable supervisor will answer any questions whilst on your experience and make you feel truly connected to the Ocean.
What included:
- Meet at Guest Reception where our Animal Supervisor will greet you.
- This session is available for up to 2 people, minimum age 8 years old. Participants aged 8 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) as part of the booking.
- You’ll get an introduction to our Great Barrier Reef, Eddystone Reef and Atlantic Ocean Exhibits and the key residents that live there.
- Explanation and populating of the ‘Feeding Record Sheet’ after weighing and adding vitamins to Zeus’ food.
- A demonstration of the equipment we use to feed Zeus and techniques used to keep him stimulated and provide enrichment.
- 5-10 minutes feeding Zeus!
- Other sharks you’ll be able to see Sand Tiger, Sandbar, Nurse Sharks as well as rays and our cheeky Green Sea Turtle.
- A day’s visit to the UK’s National Aquarium for all participants on the same day as experience.
- NEW printable experience certificate. Downloadable and printable after experience redemption.
Yes! You can buy this experience as a Gift Voucher. Check out our full options here.
We are unable to refund this experience but can move to a later available date with 24 hours notice before the session takes place. Please note you can only rearrange your date once.
Zeus’ food consists of seafood – so yes food preparation will be smelly! PPE in the form of gloves must be worn during food prep.
Normally he loves his food, however due to the nature of being an animal he may decide not to feed. The feed is only part of the overall experience and will not be cancelled or refunded if he doesn’t take some or any of his food.
On the most part this experience you will remain dry, although Zeus may splash if he gets too excited!
Zeus will be the star of the show but being in the Atlantic Ocean Exhibit you may get to see Eagle rays, Southern Stingrays, Sandbar Sharks, a Green Sea Turtle and Sand Tiger Sharks. You’ll also experience over 5000 animals in the NMA before or after your visit.
The experience will take around 45 minutes. You’ll get to feed Zeus for about 5-10 minutes.
Terms and Conditions
- The experience runs from 10:30 – 11:15. Please arrive at 10:15 to ensure timely start.
- If you arrive more than 10 minutes late you will not be permitted to join the experience.
- Minimum age to take part in this tour is 8 years old. No babies or toddlers in pushchairs or being carried will be permitted on the experience.
- 8-15 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is 18 or over as one of the participants of the experience
- Available for up to two participants only.
- Aquarium staff are not responsible for children during the experience.
- Please note, this experience includes the option to handle Zeus’ food, which has a strong odour. A strong stomach is advised!
- You will be entering areas that are used for the preparation of seafood, it is advised that those with seafood allergies seek medical advice before taking part in the experience.
- If animal or visitor safety is at risk, we reserve the right to stop the experience at any point without refund.
- Due to the nature of husbandry work, there may be incidents that may arise beyond our control, leading us to cancel your experience at short notice. We suggest that you check your messages and e-mail before visiting just in case. If this were to happen an opportunity to re-schedule will be offered.
- Refunds are not available, but the experience can be moved to a later date with 24 hours notice. Please note, the experience can only be re-arranged once.
- For your safety, close toe shoes must be worn.
For any questions or enquiries regarding this experience please email: animalexperiences@oceanconservationtrust.org.
Last minute cancellations please email enquiries@oceanconservation.org or 0300 102 0300
BOOK NOW
