A Scottish aquarium on the shores of Loch Lomond that lets visitors feed their sharks is the perfect May day trip destination.
SEA LIFE Loch Lomond has encouraged visitors to come and learn more about the "misunderstood" animals at their centre, after it released new research revealing that sharks are the most feared sea creatures in the UK.
The aquarium conducted a national poll to discover what the nation thought the scariest water-dwelling animals are, and sharks easily topped the list with 52 per cent of the public admitting to fearing them most.
Visitors to the aquarium can "get up close and personal" with black tip, white tip, and bonnethead sharks during a private feed. The experience takes place at the top of the 'Ocean Tank', and lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Jellyfish followed behind in second place, with 20 per cent of respondents naming them the scariest sea creature, while giant squids, stingrays, and whales rounded out the top five, with 11 per cent, five per cent, and two per cent respectively.
Meanwhile, the aquarium also surveyed the UK's favourite "cute" marine animals. Otters came in first place with 44 per cent of respondents calling them the most adorable.
The research revealed that only 63 per cent of people in the UK have ever seen an otter in real life, and so the aquarium has encouraged Scots to visit its three Asian short-clawed otters.
General Manager at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Kathryn Adam commented: "It’s no surprise that otters have topped the cuteness chart for aquatic animals, with our very own Asian short-clawed otters Lily, Pickle and Cub definitely living up to the reputation of their species. It is a massive shame, however, that so many Brits have never seen an otter in the flesh and so we encourage people to come down to the site to visit these adorable creatures.
"Here at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond we are also passionate about changing the negative perception of sharks, working towards conservation efforts and helping visitors learn more about the misunderstood species, which is why we offer VIP shark experiences, so our guests can get up close and personal with the jaw-some creatures."
More information about shark feeding experiences can be found on the SEA LIFE Loch Lomond website.
The most scary sea creatures according to the UK public
- Shark — 52%
- Jellyfish — 20%
- Giant Squid — 11%
- Stingray — 5%
- Whale — 2%
The cutest sea creatures according to the UK public
- Otter — 44%
- Seal — 26%
- Turtles — 16%
- Clownfish — 6%
- Octopus — 2.8%
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