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A southern China aquarium has drawn mixed reactions for using a robotic whale shark in its exhibits, sparking debate over animal welfare, consumer rights, and educational innovation.
The controversy erupted after Xiaomeisha Sea World in Shenzhen reopened in October, featuring a life-sized robotic whale shark. While some visitors admired the cutting-edge design, others felt misled, citing the 230 yuan (US$32) admission fee as excessive for what they perceived as an artificial experience.
Dissatisfied visitors took to social media and review platforms to vent their frustration. One commenter on Dazhong Dianping called the ticket price “outrageous” and demanded compensation. Another threatened to report the aquarium, accusing it of deceiving customers.
However, others praised the initiative. A cyberpunk enthusiast on Xiaohongshu commended the aquarium for avoiding the captivity of live marine animals and suggested it use the robot to educate visitors about marine conservation.
This isn’t the first time a robotic whale shark has made waves in China. In 2022, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park debuted a similar exhibit developed in collaboration with aerospace technology firms. These robots, which cost millions of yuan, are significantly cheaper to maintain than live whale sharks, whose upkeep can exceed 100 million yuan (US$14 million).
The shift to robotic alternatives reflects growing awareness of the challenges of keeping live whale sharks in captivity. According to Li Jianping, dean of the Academy of Future Ocean at Ocean University of China, whale sharks, which can live up to 130 years in the wild, rarely survive more than five years in aquariums due to limited space and unnatural conditions.
While some consumers view the robotic exhibits as deceptive, legal experts argue that aquariums have done nothing wrong, provided they do not falsely advertise live animals. Lawyer Wang Rongmei emphasized the importance of transparency in marketing practices to maintain consumer trust.
Li expressed hope for technological advancements that could make robotic marine animals even more realistic. He believes aquariums should embrace innovative ways to educate the public while protecting marine life.
