The Feasibility of Keeping Prehistoric Giants in Modern Aquaria

The idea of keeping prehistoric giants like mosasaurs or pliosaurs in modern aquaria, such as SeaWorld, might seem fascinating at first glance. However, a closer look at the practical, ethical, and biological challenges involved reveals that such an endeavor would be highly unlikely and ethically contentious.

Challenges of Keeping Mosasaurs in Aquaria

Size and Space Requirements: Mosasaurs were large marine reptiles, with some species reaching lengths of up to 50 feet (15 meters) or more. An aquarium would need to be extraordinarily large to accommodate such a creature, far beyond the size of existing marine exhibits. The largest known species, Tylosaurus, reached lengths of 39 to 52 feet (11.9 to 15.8 meters), with most of its body being tail. This massive size would make it impractical to house even in a facility as large as the Atlanta Aquarium, let alone in an aquarium like SeaWorld.

Habitat and Environmental Requirements

Habitat Needs: Mosasaurs were adapted to live in open ocean environments, requiring a deep, vast, and dynamic habitat similar to their natural surroundings. Replicating their natural habitat, including depth, temperature, salinity, and the availability of prey, would be extremely difficult in a controlled setting. The vastness of their habitat would also make it challenging to maintain such conditions consistently.

Diet and Feeding

Diet and Feeding: Mosasaurs were primarily carnivorous, requiring a diet of large marine animals. Providing adequate food and ensuring that the dietary needs of such a large predator could be met would pose significant logistical challenges. Captive feeding would require large quantities of prey, and the availability of such prey in a controlled environment would be limited.

Behavior and Social Structure

Behavior and Social Structure: The social behavior of mosasaurs is not fully understood, but large marine reptiles often have complex behaviors and territorial needs. Captivity could lead to stress and aggressive behavior, which are significant risks for both the animal and the visitors. Ensuring the welfare and well-being of a mosasaur in captivity would be a primary ethical concern.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical Considerations: There would be significant ethical concerns regarding the capture and maintenance of a prehistoric predator. The welfare of the animal and the implications of keeping such a creature in captivity would be hotly debated. The ethical implications of imprisoning a creature with such a large footprint on the marine ecosystem would be a critical issue.

Alternative Prehistoric Giants: Pliosaurus

Pliosaurus Funkei: Considered another larger marine reptile, Pliosaurus Funkei is even more impressive. This species could reach lengths of up to 49 feet (14.9 meters), but more commonly averaged around 42 feet (12.8 meters). Unlike mosasaurs, pliosaurus have a much larger head, making them more predatory and efficient in their hunting techniques.

Despite the impressive size, the challenges of housing a pliosaur, including its enormous size and dietary requirements, would be just as significant. However, for those interested in marine prehistory, the pliosaur would be a much more captivating sight than a tylosaurus.

Conclusion

While the idea of keeping a prehistoric giant like a mosasaur or pliosaurus in a modern aquarium is intriguing, the practical, ethical, and biological challenges make it highly unlikely. The weaknesses of existing aquaria in terms of size, habitat reproduction, and feeding logistics, along with the ethical concerns, make such an endeavor practically unfeasible.