The species is critically endangered and it is illegal to import them into this country. They're highly coveted in Chinese culture and can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Aquarium cared for the fish for several years behind the scenes, before teaming up with NOCO to create the new exhibit, called "Dangerous Beauties."
President & CEO Gary Siddall says the Aquarium's location near border literally puts them in a position to be the best place to care for an animal when things like this happen.
"That is the call of duty that we answer here," he told 2 On Your Side. "Our whole mission concerns itself with the protection of aquatic life, and when you hear that there was an animal like that this was in very unideal conditions, trying to be smuggled into the country, and we get to then step in and provide that role and provide that home, and then take it a step further and tell the story. That's exactly the line of work that we're in." |
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