For the past three years, the highlight of the Calvert Marine Museum’s Sharkfest! has been the presence of Poole’s SharkPoole.
The SharkPoole gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the amazing predators of the deep from someone who has worked closely with them for years. Children thrill at the rough, cold touch of the shark’s skin as the shark lies calmly in Poole’s confident grasp. They learn how to touch gently, and how important these creatures are to the world’s marine eco-systems.
The Sharkpoole is the brain child of Mercury Marine Saltwater Pro-Staff Douglas Poole of Solomons Island.
 |
| Poole allows children to feel the texture of the Shark’s skin. |
According to Poole, “SharkPoole is a way to teach kids the facts about sharks – not the myths of man-eaters devouring everything that moves. Sharks need our protection and deserve respect.”
As an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, Poole believes that hands-on experiences are the best way to reach and teach kids. His appearances at the Marine Museum and local schools have been so well received that he has enlarged the tanks he keeps the fish in, and expanded the kinds of animals he keeps in order to meet demand. Frequently his two children assist him, demonstrating the proper way to handle animals and sharing their knowledge of sharks and stingrays.
Sharkfest! also features Megalodon, the largest marine predator that ever lived whose enormous teeth are prized by fossil hunters worldwide.
The Marine Museum Fossil Club turns out in force to share their remarkable finds from Calvert Cliffs – presenting a great opportunity to have your own fossils identified by experts.
Face painters provide visitors with the option of becoming, or at least wearing a fish, while craft activities let children create shark necklaces and hats.
The Color and Light Society will be on hand to assist in painting a large shark mural in front of the museum.
Visit Sharkfest! on Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Regular admission applies. For more information call 410-326-2042 ext. 41 or visit the museum’s website at www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.