Progress for Toothless: An Update on Our Efforts to Help the Sharks at Big Al’s

We’re pleased to share an update on Toothless, the Whitetip Reef Shark a 5-foot whitetip reef shark who has been confined in an 8-foot tank, alone, for nearly six years at Big Al's Aquarium Ottawa. In November 2024, we launched a campaign urging the store to release Toothless. We filed a formal complaint with Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS), citing serious concerns under Ontario’s PAWS Act, and launched a public petition which has garnered over 1,000 signatures!

Following our PAWS complaint, we applied pressure on Big Al’s Ottawa, demanding that they:

• Confirm and publicize a clear timeline for Toothless’ relocation, including details on the receiving facility.

• Commit to prioritizing the rehoming process to ensure Toothless is placed in an appropriate environment as soon as possible.

• Make a formal pledge to never house sharks in captivity again.

Following our outreach, Big Al’s provided us with a detailed response. Notably, the franchise owner has committed to rehoming all sharks currently held at their corporate locations and has pledged to refrain from acquiring large predatory marine species moving forward. 

As part of this commitment, we understand that one Blacktip Reef Shark previously held at Big Al’s Mississauga location was successfully rehomed to Granby Zoo in November. While we generally advocate for the phasing out of captivity for marine animals, we recognize that — given the absence of shark sanctuaries in Canada — this relocation likely offers a significantly larger, more appropriate environment for this individual shark.

In Toothless's case, efforts to find him a suitable home are ongoing. Big Al’s Ottawa shared with us the extensive steps they have taken, including outreach to public aquariums, zoos, and professional aquatic networks across North America. Although several parties initially expressed interest, a permanent home has not yet been secured. Importantly, we understand that Toothless is now under regular veterinary supervision, with monthly welfare checks in place to ensure his ongoing health.

At AEL Advocacy, we have also been actively reaching out to facilities and individuals within our network in an effort to help find Toothless a new home. Although we have not yet identified a placement, we remain committed to assisting in the search and supporting efforts to secure the best possible outcome for him.

If you know of a public aquarium, sanctuary, or qualified private individual who might be able to provide a permanent, species-appropriate home for a Whitetip Reef Shark, please get in touch with us — your connections could make all the difference.

Thank you to our community for your continued advocacy and for standing with us to improve the lives of animals like Toothless!