Page 104 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2021

LEISURE
Stella
SAND TIGER SHARK
CLASSIFICATION
CLASS: Chondrichthyes ORDER: Lamniformes FAMILY: Odontaspididae GENUS: Carcharias SPECIES: C. taurus
In September 2019, Stella underwent a novel surgery after being diagnosed with scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine) and kyphosis (outward curvature of the spine).
The Mississippi Veterinary team consulted with numerous veterinarians and human medical professionals and formed a
team of experts to help accomplish the procedure. On the morning of the surgery, Mississippi Aquarium veterinarians, Doctors Delaune and Perry, performed
the surgery alongside that team. They were joined by Shane Boylan, DVM, chief veterinarian, South Carolina Aquarium; Grayson Cole, DVM, DACVS, CCRP, DACVS-SA, small animal surgeon, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists; Joseph T. Cox, MD, human orthopaedic spine surgeon, Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists; John D. Smith III, NP, Singing River
Gulfport orthopaedics; and Jason W. Lowery, implant distributor, LSI; to perform the rst-of-its-kind surgery. The two-hour procedure secured two metal plates on both sides of the spine and platelet-rich plasma was injected into the fractured cartilage.
Over the past few months, Stella remained in her recovery pool while the dedicated animal care and veterinary
sta worked around the clock, providing exceptional care and preparing her for her return to the Aquatic Wonders habitat.
On March 1, 2020, Stella returned
to the main habitat in the Aquatic Wonders building of the Aquarium! She is recovering nicely, eating regularly and navigating her habitat exceptionally well.
2100 E. Beach Blvd., Gulfport 228.241.1300 www.msaquarium.org
104 | May 2021
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Fun Facts
Stella the Sand Tiger Shark.
2 | March 2021 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
• While Sand tiger sharks may look frightening due to their sharp intimidating teeth, they are relatively docile and not considered a threat to humans.
• Sand tiger sharks go to the surface of the water to take breaths to maintain buoyancy.