Shark tea party launches display (From Croydon Guardian)

Shark tea party launches display

5:37pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in National News © Press Association 2011

An aquarium has hosted a tea party with extra bite in a bid to challenge perceptions of sharks.

Three scuba divers took their places at the underwater table surrounded by five sharks.

The stunt marked the launch of a new display at the Sea Life London Aquarium, which aims to dispel myths about sharks.

Deputy curator Jamie Oliver said: "We wanted to challenge the terrible - and undeserved - reputation sharks have as bloodthirsty killers.

"What better way of doing it than by joining all of them for tea.

"The team was very excited to throw the party and the sharks didn't blink an eye."

The species in the tank included black tip reef, nurse, brown, sand tiger, zebra and a bowmouth guitar shark.

The Shark Reef Encounter, which opens on Sunday, features more than 15 sharks. There is a 5m long glass walkway allowing guests to see sharks swim inches beneath their feet, a large tank and interactive touch-screen displays.