By Leah Neal, Curator of Fish and Invertebrates at Georgia Aquarium

I recently had the incredible opportunity to spend a week in Thailand working alongside dedicated conservation professionals as part of the ongoing ReShark StaR (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery) Project—a global, collaborative initiative to restore zebra shark populations in their native Indo-Pacific habitats.

Georgia Aquarium is a proud partner of the project, and I’ve been fortunate to be involved from the beginning. From contributing zebra shark eggs to sharing our expertise in husbandry and research, our role spans from the lab to the field. This trip to Thailand was an important step forward for the StaR Project’s expansion.

Setting Standards for Global Conservation

One of my main goals on this trip was to assist in the inspection of an aquarium in Southeast Asia being considered as a potential new egg donor facility. Unlike facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in the United States, many aquariums in Southeast Asia don’t have an accrediting body. That means it falls to us and our partners to ensure they meet the rigorous animal care, safety, and welfare standards necessary for participation.

After thoroughly reviewing husbandry protocols, environmental conditions, and staff practices, I’m pleased to say the facility was approved. This exciting development will help expand genetic diversity for future releases.

Knowledge Sharing in Action

Equally important was the opportunity to work hands-on with staff at both the donor facility and the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC)—a potential future holding site for zebra shark pups. I assisted with training sessions on essential practices like zebra shark blood collection, microchipping, and general animal handling. Many of the staff at PMBC were hired specifically for the StaR Project. It was incredibly rewarding to help them build the skills and confidence needed to care for these animals.

Training and collaboration are vital components of any long-term conservation effort. By sharing best practices, we ensure a consistent approach to shark care and data collection, no matter where in the world it’s happening.

Diving Into the Future

My final stop was Mai Ton Island, a private island off the coast of Phuket. Our team evaluated a site for a future sea pen—an enclosed, ocean-based holding area that serves as an intermediate step for zebra sharks before their full release. After diving the site, I helped assess the environmental conditions and suitability for animal care. I’m happy to share that the sea pen was approved and is now successfully housing zebra sharks.

Looking ahead, we’re now exploring the possibility of building a hatchery near the sea pen. This would allow for even greater on-site care and monitoring before transfer or release.

What’s Next

Later this year, I plan to return to Indonesia, where the StaR Project began, to assist with the release of zebra sharks. Seeing these animals swim free in their native waters after years of careful planning, collaboration, and care is the ultimate goal. It is also an unforgettable moment for everyone involved.

At Georgia Aquarium, we’re deeply committed to the success of this project. Conservation doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens through partnership, knowledge-sharing, and a global commitment to restoration. I’m proud and grateful for the opportunity to help bring zebra sharks back to their native reefs.

To learn more about the ReShark StaR Project and Georgia Aquarium’s role in global shark conservation, visit reshark.org/star-project.