March 19- ‘Sammy’ the female whale shark has been released into the Arabian Gulf by the Atlantis Resort, Palm Jumeirah, after being in captivity for 18 months. The shark was on display at the resort’s aquarium since 2008 when it was captured.
Sammy was captured off Jebel Ali on August 27, 2008, causing outrage from animal rights groups, including the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Former Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson even described the situation as "heartbreaking".
Meanwhile, the resort, in a statement said that it was important to ensure the shark’s chance of survival, which is why the wait was so long. In a statement it argued that seasonal elements affecting water temperature, salinity and migratory patterns were perfect for enhancing her chances of survival in the open ocean. The whale shark has been tagged and the Atlantis Fish Husbandry Team will continue to monitor its progress.