Have a fintastic day!

By adopting a shark, you can support the research and conservation projects of the Shark Research Unit while also enjoying the unique opportunity to name and follow the adventures of your adopted shark. Stay connected with your adopted shark and be a part of our efforts to protect these magnificent creatures.

We appreciate all contributions and the interest in adopting a shark. Please note that finding a unique shark for adoption can take some time as they are wild animals, and locating a specific individual may require additional time. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to find the perfect shark for you.

Why Adopt?

shark research field program oceans research

100 % of your adoption fee goes directly towards supporting the  projects that the Shark Research Unit conducts. What’s more, you can select whether your gift is used to support either shark research, shark conservation or learner outreach efforts. 

What you receive?

Adoption pack v2

Apart from our eternal graitude, as a shark adopter, you will receive the following

  • 1-year naming rights for your adopted shark
  • A formal adoption certificate (electronic)
  • Digital photographs and info about your adopted shark
  • An eternal note of thanks on our website
  • a 6 and 12 month report on your sharks behaviourur. 

How to adopt?

adoption certificate on laptop

Adopting a shark is easy. First select which of our priority species you would like to adopt. Then proceed to tell us about your adopted shark (its name, who are the parents etc.). Once completed, simply finalise your adoption at the Shark Research Units online store.

STEP 1. SELECT YOUR SPECIES

GREAT WHITE SHARK

Carcharodon carcharias

Hi, I’m Carcharodon carcharias a.k.a the great white shark. I need no introduction, as you’ve probably seen me on television doing my awesome sharky stuff. Despite my high profile, I’m rare in South Africa, and recently I disappeared from two of my main aggregation sites… Luckily, I’m still seen in Mossel Bay, home to the researchers from the Shark Research Unit. 

Adoption fee – $250

Breaching Great White Shark during shark research internship training program at Mossel Bay south africa

SANDTIGER SHARK

Carcharias taurus

Hi, I’m Carcharias taurus, aka the sand tiger shark, aka the ragged-tooth shark. I have a few names… depending on where in the world I am encountered. Many people think of me as a docile sleepy shark (I’ve heard cheeky people call me a tadpole with teeth!). They haven’t seen me in action at night when I hunt.  

Adoption fee – $125

Sandtiger shark adoption program

BLACKTIP SHARK

Carcharhinus limbatus

Hi, I’m Carcharhinus limbatus, aka the blacktip shark. My special skill (if I can call it that) is that I’m the life of the party – social, gregarious, curious and mostly fun to be around. Sometimes, however, I get myself into trouble with fishermen, as I can’t resist those shiny lures. Luckily the team from the SRU is there to remove lines and hooks from my mouth and gills.   

Adoption fee – $75

shark pic

PUFFADDER SHARK

Haploblepharus edwardsii

Hi, I’m Haploblepharus edwardsii, aka  the puffadder shy shark. I’m a special shark for South Africa, as I am endemic and my range is limited to its southern coastline. At the Shark Research Unit, I thrill the scientists with my awesome bio fluorescence (glow in the dark) abilities!  

Adoption fee – $50

puffadder_shyshark_1_750_500_70

Meet our Adopted Sharks

The Shark Research Unit wants to thank the awesome parents who have taken on adopting a shark on our adoption program. The support these parents give allows the SRU to continue and progress with our research, conservation and education work

Continue your journey

Many sharks live for over 30 years. Continue your adoption journey with your adopted shark by renewing your annual adoption certificate. 

Is your dream to work with sharks?

ABOUT US

The Shark Research Unit is a shark and marine research and conservation institute driven by a passionate team of shark experts. We are located in South Africa and work in two regions of priority – Aliwal Shoal and Mossel Bay. 

Our core purpose is to conduct and support original shark research, conservation and education programs through strategic partnerships with marine scientists, postgraduate students, ecotourism operators and academic institutes. 

Our focus extends to nurturing a new generation (of all ages) of shark scientists, professionals and enthusiasts. We achieve this through our great white shark research internship, learner outreach programs and expert guided shark edu-tours  

CONNECT

MOSSEL BAY CENTER

  • 182 Aalwyn Way
  • Aalwyndal
  • Mossel Bay 6520
  • South Africa

ALIWAL SHOAL CENTRE

  • 34 Egerton Rd
  • Freeland Park
  • Schottburgh 4180
  • South Africa

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