A baby shark has been mysteriously born in a Louisiana aquarium tank that has housed only female sharks for the past three years.

The Shreveport Aquarium welcomed a newborn swell shark named Yoko on January 3, even though the tank contained only two female sharks and had no male presence. Aquarium officials are now investigating the rare occurrence.

According to experts, two scientific explanations could account for the unusual birth: parthenogenesis or delayed fertilization. Parthenogenesis is a rare form of asexual reproduction in which an embryo develops without fertilization, a phenomenon occasionally observed in sharks. The other possibility, delayed fertilization, occurs when a female stores sperm from a past mating and fertilization happens months or even years later.

“This situation is incredible and highlights the resilience of this species,” said Greg Barrick, curator of live animals at the aquarium. “We are eager to confirm whether this was a case of parthenogenesis or delayed fertilization.”

Barrick also referenced the famous words of Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park, saying, “It really proves that life… uh… finds a way.”

The aquarium’s husbandry team will conduct a DNA analysis in the coming months once the baby shark is large enough for blood testing. The results will determine how the birth occurred.

Sharks born through parthenogenesis or delayed fertilization sometimes face developmental challenges, so Yoko is under close observation to ensure its health and well-being.

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