CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - Experts at the Living Coast Discovery Center are keeping a close watch on their animals after a student jumped into a shark enclosure on Tuesday.
The video featured a Montgomery High School student climbing on rocks before jumping in the enclosure and swimming a lap.
LCDC officials believe the student took part in the stunt on a dare.
The boy was not in any danger from the sharks, which were primarily sharks that don't like to be spooked, experts said.
"They don't like to be scared by all those quick motions and loud noises," said Elizabeth Argyle, the director of education and guest experience for the center. "You don't know the consequences that you're going to create, and for the animals, they get spooked by it."
None of the animals were harmed. The center's care staff said their animals are doing well and a veterinarian performs check-ups weekly.
The student’s actions took place weeks before the center is set to open a new display. The exhibit, called the "Sea of Change" will be about co-existing with and respecting animals, focusing on how humans can live with them harmoniously, said Argyle.
"We're very deeply disappointed in the actions that some of these students chose to do," Argyle added.
She hopes this incident will serve as a teachable moment for others.
The Sweetwater Union High School District said the teen’s behavior was inappropriate. School officials are working with LCDC to prevent similar incidents from happening again and create an opportunity for appropriate restitution for the student.
