Citron, the world’s oldest-known lemon shark, has died of old age at Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium.
Lemon shark Citron was 40 years old.
He arrived in Plymouth in 2016 from the Netherlands’ Emmen Zoo.
Citron lived in the National Marine Aquarium’s Atlantic Ocean exhibit.
Earlier this week, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth said a sad goodbye to its senior lemon shark, Citron. Citron (pictured above) was 40 years old, making the National Marine Aquarium’s much-loved lemon shark the oldest-known example in the world. Lemon sharks typically live to around 25.
Citron arrived at Plymouth’s convervation-focused National Marine Aquarium in 2016. Having been transferred from Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen in the Netherlands, the record-breaking lemon shark spent the next seven years happily residing in the Devon-based public aquarium’s Atlantic Ocean exhibit.
A statement issued by the National Marine Aquarium on Wednesday, June 28th, said that it was with a heavy heart that they must announce the passing of Citron, their beloved lemon shark. They went on to explain how Citron’s majestic presence had left a mark on all who had the privilege of witnessing him.
Both in the UK and the Netherlands, Citron served as a powerful ambassador for his species. During his long life, he educated and inspired countless people about the importance of shark conservation.
The National Marine Aquarium, in the so-called Ocean City of Plymouth, is the UK’s largest public aquarium. The popular attraction is a proud part of the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the ocean.
