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 seven 'hero' animals* from shark teeth, shed naturally by the attraction's 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, an octopus, 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

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

GETTING THERE

• Discounts and priority entry available with online booking - visit www.visitsealife.com/london. 0871 663 1678.
• Open seven days a week from 10am with last entry at 6pm
• Prices start from £18.36 per adult and £13.52 per child for attraction tickets. Snorkelling with Sharks experience - £125 pp, VIP Shark Feed - £70 pp, all including entry to the aquarium.

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For further information please contact Tansy Ratcliffe – James/ Amy Williams at freerange communications on 020 7402 9966 or tansy@freerange.eu

Notes to Editors:

Top booking tip: Choose a SEA LIFE London Aquarium VIP Family Ticket (two adults, two children) and make a saving of over £30! This great value ticket is only £87.50 online and includes:

Admission to SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Beat the queues with Priority Entry

Flexible entry so you can visit at any time during your selected day

Official SEA LIFE Guidebook

Souvenir photobook worth £25.00

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 105 attractions, 11 hotels/3 holiday villages in 23 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its almost 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and c25,000 employees. 

Among Merlin's attractions are - SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park Resort, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK.  All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.