Shark during a cage diving expedition
The 25th anniversary of Shark Week starts Sunday, August 12, on The Discovery Channel. For shark fans, this week is right up there with the Final Four. For sharks, it’s probably embarrassing to have every nuance of your existence examined by wussy humans.
To get land-bound Dallasites warmed up for this week, the Museum of Nature & Science will host Rodney Fox on Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28.
Rodney Fox following Great White shark attack
Whoa! What does a “fox” have to do with a big old toothy fish? Back in December 1963, Rodney was spearfishing in South Australia when he was attacked by a Great White Shark resulting in his body being torn apart. To this day, he still has the shark’s tooth in his right wrist. Ouch! In fact, his survival was regarded as miraculous.
While some would have launched a vendetta against the Great Whites, Rodney became “one of the foremost advocates in the research and conservation” of the Great Whites. So much so, that he was a resource for both Steven Spielberg and Peter Benchley for “Jaws,” both the book and the film.
According to Rodney, “Sharks are not all that bad. We have very few confrontations with them, and we should look after all our fishes especially the Great Whites. We must learn to live with and understand all sharks including the Great White sharks and not kill them simply out of fear.”
During his stay in Dallas, his agenda will be:
- Friday, July 27 (5 to 7 p.m.) — Members-only meet-and-greet with Rodney within the Planet Shark exhibition at the Museum. Earlier in the day, the 73-year-old will meet with children attending summer camp at the Museum as well as the Museum’s teenage volunteers.
- Saturday, July 28 — Rodney will meet-and-greet the general public within Planet Shark at 10-10:30 a.m., 12:30-1 p.m., 2-2:30 p.m. and 4-4:30 p.m.
Remember, general public folks have to purchase a ticket to the Planet Shark exhibition for the special meet-and-greet with Rodney.
You may not believe it, but people love their sharks, shark stories, shark experts and especially shark survivors. So, this one will probably sell out quickly.
Photos provided by the Museum of Nature & Science
