A STINKY, slimy afternoon was had at the Royal Show when the KZN Sharks Board dissected a shark at the River Stage yesterday.
Children squirmed and laughed as a tiger shark was dissected before their eyes. Some of the children were invited to the stage, where they got to touch the shark and stick their fingers into various organs.
An animated Steven Mabugana explained the anatomy of the shark, while keeping the children entertained with jokes and squeezing various oily and slimy substances from its insides.
KZN Sharks Board public relations officer Precious Shamase was very happy with the reaction of the crowd.
“Judging by the children’s enthusiasm and reaction, the dissection went quite well. These dissections are important, as we do it to educate members of the public about sharks and what we as the KZN Sharks Board do.”
Once opened, the various organs of the tiger shark were removed and displayed. The colon, or “poo pipe” as the children dubbed it, produced the worst smell and the most unpleasant substances of the dissection.
The stomach was cut out and its contents emptied to see what the shark had eaten. Partially digested fish and a plastic bag were found, showing the children the dangerous effects of pollution.
Before the shark dissection, the Snake Park Exhibition displayed snakes and a lizard, educating the children on the reptiles.
The children won prizes for answering questions correctly and were given a chance to touch the snakes.
Both the shark dissection and snake exhibition will be repeated at the River Stage tomorrow afternoon. The snake park is also open every day for those who would like to get a picture taken while holding a snake.
