The leopard shark has a relatively thick body. The nose is rounded. The color of the shark's back varies from silvery to a bronzed gray, with black saddle-shaped markings and large black spots. Adult sharks often have more spots and saddles than juveniles. The belly is whitish without other markings. The eyes are large and oval and the shark has a nictitating membrane (a transparent or translucent third eyelid that can be drawn across the eye for protection while maintaining visibility). Both jaws have two rows of teeth, with a greater number of teeth in the upper jaw. The teeth are arranged into a flat surface with overlapping ridges. The large first dorsal fin is about halfway between the pectoral and pelvic fins. The second dorsal fin is almost as large as the first and is located beyond the pelivic fins. The lower lobe of the caudal fin in adults is much smaller than the upper lobe.
 

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) SAFE Sharks and Rays Program 

With over 1,200 species, sharks and rays make up a diverse mix of biology, behaviors, and habitats. But faced with destructive fishing practices, a third of sharks and rays are threatened with extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  

Brookfield Zoo Chicago participates in the AZA SAFE Sharks and Rays Program to help identify survival threats, support recovery, and offer you opportunities to learn more about at-risk species. 

 
Threats 

• • Overfishing 

• • Habitat loss and degradation 

• • Climate change 

• • Pollution 

• • Misaligned public attitudes 
   

How We Care 

• • Brookfield Zoo Chicago cares for four shark species (leopard shark, horn shark, swell shark, epaulette shark) and cownose rays.  

• • The Zoo invites you to see sharks up close and learn about why they matter to the world’s marine ecosystems through our Shark Feeding Adventure.