Qld: Bonnie the shark back to the ocean
By Dale Paget
GOLD COAST, Aug 22 AAP - Seven weeks after being saved from a fisherman's hook, Bonnie,the world's largest tiger shark in captivity was returned to the sea with Crocodile HunterSteve Irwin chasing her to freedom.
"She could sense the ocean," said an animated Irwin after watching the shark disappearinto 60 metres of water, 18km off the tourist strip.
"I reckon in a couple of days she's going to be saying what the heck was that? It waslike an alien abduction," he said.
Bonnie was to be the star attraction at Sea World's new $13 million Shark Bay exhibitbut instead made headline news when the RSPCA launched an investigation into her healthand the suitability of a temporary pool where she was being held.
Bonnie was saved by a commercial fisherman after being caught off Tweed Heads on July4 and brought to Sea World.
The animal welfare agency and Sea World agreed that the four metre tiger shark shouldbe freed because a deep-water pool at Shark Bay would not be ready for two months.
"I'm sad to see her go. She became very confident in the pool but I'm not unhappy thatshe's out there," said Sea World's head of marine sciences Trevor Long.
"She was an amazing shark.
"Without knowing it Bonnie has greatly contributed to the future welfare and conservationof these magnificent animals by creating a greater caring and empathy for their currentplight."
Sea World had never returned a large shark to the wild before.
Mr Long designed a large plastic sock shaped bag which was placed in the holding tankand Bonnie was guided into it.
Irwin said Bonnie was relaxed during the whole procedure.
"Not once did she expose her teeth to try to chomp anyone or the plastic bag," said Irwin.
"Her behaviour was better than any crocs I've dealt with."
Bonnie was lifted from the pool by a crane and placed on a boat for the release.
Irwin hugged and patted her on the way out and then jumped into the ocean to watch her swim away.
"I was flat out like a lizard drinking trying to keep up with her," he said.
"She kept up these very strong powerful purposeful swim."
Mr Long said it was unlikely Bonnie would ever be seen again. Video of the releaseof Bonnie will be used by Irwin in a future documentary.
AAP dp/sc/cjm/bwl
KEYWORD: SHARKS NIGHTLEAD (REISSUING)
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