FIN-TASTIC FUN AT THE MEADOWS

The Meadows Shopping Centre is hosting a marine extravangaza which is sure to put some ‘bite’ into the summer holidays.

The free event, part-sponsored by the Wythering Animal Rehabilitation Trust (WART), gives children the chance to get up close and personal with four sharks, while learning about their lives and the joys of playing with them.

Melvin Thrasher, director of The Meadows, said: “Sharks have had such bad press over the last few decades. We’re trying to do our bit to change the perception of these animals as little more than evil predators.

“After the success of last summer’s week-long Fun With Acid event, we’ve put together a package of enjoyable and informative activities that will impress both kids and grown-ups alike.”

For the duration of the event, the atrium at the Meadows has been given over to a 200-square-foot seawater pool which will serve as temporary home to a Bull shark, a Tiger shark, a Great White and an Oceanic White Tip.

Suitable for children aged five to 12 years old, activities include petting the sharks, swimming with them and feeding them by hand. Event organisers hope that by doing so, youngsters will learn something about the animals’ playful nature, their eating habits and their sexual preferences.

“Trained paramedics will be on hand at all times, just in case,” said Mr. Thrasher, “though obviously, we don’t anticipate the need to call on them.”

The event runs until next Friday, August 23rd.

Free tickets for Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Shark? can be booked on The Meadows’ website. Log onto www.meadows.co.uk/sharksarereallycuddly.