Sharks have been voted the scariest sea creature - but experts at Sea Life Loch Lomond have encouraged more people to learn about the “misunderstood species”.
More than half of the nation (52%) admit to fearing sharks the most out of all ocean-dwelling creatures, ranking them above jellyfish (20%), giant squid (11%) and stingrays (5%) when it comes to fear-factor.
Despite many people fearing sharks, experts point out that they are not driven by blood lust like many movies like to depict.
On the flip side, otters have been voted the cutest aquatic animal by 44% of respondents, according to the national poll conducted by Sea Life Loch Lomond.
Otters ranked above seals (26%), turtles (16%), octopuses (2.8%) and other sea creatures based on cuteness.
Kathryn Adam, General Manager at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond said: “It’s no surprise that otters have topped the cuteness chart for aquatic animals, with our very own Asian short-clawed otters Lily, Pickle and Cub definitely living up to the reputation of their species.
“It is a massive shame, however, that so many Brits have never seen an otter in the flesh and so we encourage people to come down to the site to visit these adorable creatures.
“Here at Sea Life Loch Lomond we are also passionate about changing the negative perception of sharks, working towards conservation efforts and helping visitors learn more about the misunderstood species, which is why we offer VIP shark experiences, so our guests can get up close and personal with the jaw-some creatures.”
Visitors can get a real insight on sharks at Sea Life Loch Lomond and even feed some of the majestic creatures, including black tip, white tip and bonnethead sharks.
Sea Life Loch Lomond is also home to three Asian short-clawed otters, named Lily, Pickle and Cub. Like the rest of their species, they are social and playful by nature, spending most of the day on land with their family, playing, grooming, resting, and sleeping.
TOP FIVE SCARIEST SEA CREATURES
1. Shark (52%)
2. Jellyfish (20%)
3. Giant Squid (11%)
4. Stingray (5%)
5. Whale (2%)
TOP FIVE CUTEST AQUATIC ANIMAL
1. Otter (44%)
2. Seal (26%)
3. Turtles (16%)
4. Clownfish (6%)
5. Octopus (2.8%)
For further information or to book a trip, visit Sea Life Loch Lomond HERE
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