A recovery project to help zebra sharks as an endangered species
The conservation initiative – called the ‘StAR Project’ (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmenation Recovery Project) - is a multi-national, collaborative initiative led by ReShark which aims to establish genetically diverse, self-sustaining populations of zebra sharks in the Indo-West Pacific, to benefit local populations and support healthy marine ecosystems.
Laura Simmons - Regional Curator for SEA LIFE Australia/New Zealand, said “Bringing our team and animals into the StAR project, and being able to contribute to shark conservation in a meaningful way has been a dream come true. This is part of the “WHY” behind what we do every day! A recovery effort of this kind would not be possible without the successful husbandry, welfare and breeding expertise established at public aquaria like SEA LIFE.”
Due to their slow population growth rates, marine conservation actions such as increased fishing regulations and the establishment of marine protected areas have not proven sufficient for securing the species’ future. Augmentation with aquarium-bred zebra sharks is critical to re-establish the wild populations.
Help Support the StAR Project This World Oceans Day
This World Oceans Day, your visit can help make a difference for endangered zebra sharks.
From 1–21 June 2026, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is raising funds to support the StAR Project, helping protect endangered zebra sharks and restore wild populations in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
By visiting during World Oceans Day, making a donation onsite, or supporting selected retail products, you can help contribute to this world-leading conservation effort.
Celebrate World Oceans Day With Us
Help protect endangered zebra sharks this World Oceans Day
By donating today, you are helping fund meaningful marine conservation work with a clear focus: giving zebra sharks a better future in the wild.
Donate to StAR Project
Zebra Shark Rewilding Update: 62 Sharks Now Swimming in Raja Ampat
The StAR Project continues to deliver major milestones in the recovery of endangered zebra sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum) in the waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
Great Australian Stegostoma Semen Expedition (GASSE) 2.0
From wild shark surveys off North Stradbroke Island to cutting-edge artificial insemination across Australian aquariums, GASSE 2.0 is helping unlock new opportunities for leopard shark conservation. Learn how this collaborative expedition is strengthening research, breeding knowledge and future rewilding potential.
World-First Reproductive Technique Provides Hope for Endangered Wild Shark Populations
SEA LIFE Sydney contributes to Pioneering Initiative
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is thrilled to announce its involvement in an exciting, world-first development in shark science and conservation, as their female leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) population have been artificially inseminated with sperm collected from wild male leopard sharks.
This significant milestone is part of the pioneering Great Australian Stegostoma Semen Expedition (GASSE) initiative, which aims to boost shark populations and genetic diversity through cutting-edge reproductive science.
Zebra sharks make a successful comeback to the waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Breeding program at Australian Aquarium drives hope for recovery of Zebra sharks
In a huge milestone for the shark re-wilding project, two Endangered, female zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) pups have successfully hatched in Indonesia. The world-first initiative, known as StAR Project (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation Recovery Project) aims to rewild the waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The pups bred at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, were shipped from Australia ahead of their return to the wild.
The latest shipment follows the remarkable success of the program’s first arrival of sharks from SEA LIFE Sydney – who successfully hatched and have been nurtured, and reintroduced into the pristine waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
The success of the StAR Project is a testament to the unwavering commitment of SEA LIFE in its mission to breed, rescue and protect marine wildlife and habitats. By leveraging expertise in marine biology, conservation science, and collaborative partnerships, this groundbreaking endeavour is paving the way to revitalise this endangered shark species population.
We’re thrilled to share that Mali, the 4th SEA LIFE Sydney-bred zebra shark pup, has officially been released into the wild in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia.
Mali began her journey as an embryo, shipped to the StAR Project hatchery facility on Misool Island in December 2022. After hatching, she was carefully raised in the hatchery’s holding pools before moving into sea pens to acclimatise to wilder conditions.
Yesterday, despite challenging monsoon conditions, Mali was released into the north lagoon of Batbitim Island — and the team tracked her first 20 hours at sea.
That makes four SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium-bred zebra sharks now released into Marine Protected Areas as part of the ReShark StAR Project, helping to rebuild endangered zebra shark populations in the wild.
A huge congratulations to everyone involved in this incredible milestone.
World-First Reproductive Technique Provides Hope for Endangered Wild Shark Populations
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium announces its involvement in an exciting, world-first development in shark science and conservation, as our female leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) population have been artificially inseminated with sperm collected from wild male leopard sharks.
Want to support the future of zebra sharks?
Join us this World Oceans Day as we raise funds for the StAR Project and help bring endangered zebra sharks back to the wild.
Learn More About World Oceans Day
General Admission
- Price includes a Digi Photo Pass, giving you online access to your digital entry photos – valued at $26!
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Ticket Type SAVE 25% - Pre-book online in advance on weekdays Price on the day/ School Holidays/ Weekends Adult From $39.00 From $53.00 Child (2-15 yrs) From $25.00 From $39.00 Concession* From $32.00 From $46.00 Child (Under 2 yrs) FREE FREE *All concession holders must have a valid concession/student/health care card to gain access to the attraction with a Concession ticket.
Please note: Our ticket pricing is subject to available capacity and prices may fluctuate during periods of high demand.
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Merlin Annual Pass
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Shark Dive Xtreme
- Dive in with sharks, rays and more!
- No cages - just you, your instructors, sharks, giant stingrays and more
- No previous diving experience required (age 14+)
Take the plunge with sharks!
Get your adrenaline pumping and take the plunge in one of the most thrilling animal encounters in Australia. Shark Dive Xtreme is a rare opportunity to get closer than ever to our incredible Tawny Nurse Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Green Sea Turtles, as well as Rays, and many more amazing sea creatures... all without a cage!
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