On December 20th Nebraska Senators on the Judiciary Committee of the Legislature visited Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to listen to the Zoo Academy students’ Shark Finning Bill proposal.  In 2012, Zoo Academy students presented to Senator Jeremy Nordquist proposing that products made with shark fins be banned in the state of Nebraska.  Since then, the proposal has become a Legislative Resolution.  This resolution states that “The Judiciary Committee of the Legislature shall be designated to conduct an interim study to carry out the purpose of this resolution.”  Part of this study includes listening to the students’ proposal and arguments.  After the presentation, if the resolution is approved, it becomes a bill that is voted on by all Senators.  Shark finning is the practice in which a shark is caught, its fins are cut off and its carcass is dumped back into the water whether still alive or dead.  If the bill passes and becomes a law, Nebraska will be the ninth state to outlaw the buying, selling and possession of any products made of shark fins.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, located at Nebraska’s I-80, Exit 454, is open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. through February 28th.  Admission prices are offered at a reduced rate through March 31st.  For more information about Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, please visit www.omahazoo.com.