From the venue that brought you Body Worlds and Titanic, comes a thrilling exhibition, participants can really sink their teeth into, The Portland Science Center is pleased to present “Planet Shark: Predator or Prey” opening Saturday, Feb. 3 for a limited time.

This exhibition allows both young and old to trace millions of years of evolution, come face-to-face with the Great White shark, learn the true impact of the shark fin trade and gain a whole new level of respect for the ocean’s oldest and most effective predator – all without even getting their feet wet.

“Planet Shark: Predator or Prey” takes visitors into the mythical depths of the lives of sharks to discover their secrets… a detailed portrait highlighting astonishing facts about this great fish. Visitors will discover the significant role sharks play in our ecosystem, and understand why it is important to protect them.

"Sharks are one of those unique species that provoke both fear and fascination in people. Unfortunately, misinformation and misconceptions have left many sharks unjustly vilified," said Dr. James Sulikowski, professor of Marine Science at the University of New England. "This exhibit does an amazing job of presenting interesting facts, dispelling common myths, and encouraging conservation for not only the species we have in Maine, but globally as well."

Planet Shark: Predator or Prey will feature:

• Full-scale shark models cast from real animals
• A collection of extremely rare fossils up to 370 million years old, plus real shark jaws and teeth
• Actual shark cages visitors can enter plus authentic artifacts
• Incredible stories of human/shark encounters
• Detailed examinations of the shark’s amazing anatomy, biology, hunting strategies and sensory systems
• Information on shark satellite tagging programs and conservation efforts
• Interactive, educational displays and entertaining hands-on experiences

Grande Exhibitions, an Australian-based producer of museum-quality exhibitions, is the creative team behind this fascinating and engaging exhibition was produced with assistance from experts in the fields of sharks, aquariums, and ocean cinematography.

“This ground-breaking exhibition is very timely,” says Joe Gold, of the Portland Science Center. “Years of fishing pressure and cultural misrepresentation have pushed the shark to the brink of extinction. Its last hope lies with public education and awareness – and I think visiting the exhibition will help ignite a passion to protect these amazing creatures.”

On site media expert: Dr. James Sulikowski is a professor of Marine Science at the University of New England. Known throughout Maine as “Dr. Shark,” he has more than 25 years of experience working with sharks and other cartilaginous and bony fish. His vast scientific knowledge and plainspoken approach provide a voice of reason in the conversation about these much-feared apex predators. James has appeared on numerous local and national television shows, including NBC’s “Today Show,” Discovery’s “Shark Week,” “Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin” and the BBC series “Rise of Animals.”

The Portland Science Center is located at 68 Commercial Street. For tickets, visit www.portlandsciencecenter.com or call the box office: 1-866-822-4780. For more information, call 207-812-3850.