SeaWorld Performs First C-Section on Whitetip Reef Shark

For the first time in SeaWorld history, park veterinarians performed an emergency caesarean section on a shark that gave birth to four healthy pups, officials announced.

A team of shark experts and veterinarians successfully performed an emergency C-section on a whitetip reef shark at Discovery Cave, a sister park of SeaWorld,  Orlando, on July 18, reports The Associated Press.

The park's animal team took the decision to conduct an emergency C-section as a complication developed just six months into pregnancy.

The whitetip reef sharks are small sharks known for their slender bodies and short broad heads. They are mostly found in Indo Pacific coral reefs and stay on or near the bottom of the clear water. These slender sharks spend most of their time resting in caves and hunt at night. Their gestation period lasts for 10-13 months.

It was last January that the animal team at Discovery Cove determined that the shark was pregnant after spotting the breeding marks on the fins and the swollen abdomen. The team confirmed her pregnancy earlier due to her large litter size.

The shark had four healthy pups at the end of the C-section that was done using innovative technology. Each pup weighed three pounds (1.04 kg -1.25 kg) at birth and was nearly two feet long (58cm - 62cm), reveals Inside Conversation.

The good news is that despite having given birth via C-section at six months, which in itself is unusual and rare, both the mother and the pups are doing well. The animal experts are currently monitoring the new family and will continue to do so for a few more days.

Watch the breathtaking video HERE.