In celebration of the Planet Shark: Predator or Prey exhibition at the Museum of Nature & Science in Fair Park, visitors to MNS will have the rare opportunity to meet Rodney Fox, miracle survivor of one of the worst, non-fatal Great White Shark attacks on record who has since devoted his life to shark expeditions, conservation and research.
On Saturday, July 28, *ticket holders to the Planet Shark: Predator or Prey exhibition will hear about Rodney’s unparalleled diving career of funny, unusual, and thrilling experiences, including his famous shark attack story and being a part of the filming for the popular 1975 film, “Jaws.” Visitors can see a signed copy of Peter Benchley’s book, “Jaws,” in the Planet Shark exhibition at the Museum.
Visitors can also enjoy interactive, educational programming including a shark senses cart, shark conservation table, Planet Shark Just for Kids area, a fossil shark tooth dig, temporary shark tattoos and Saturday shark dissection, included in the purchase of a Planet Shark ticket.
•On Friday, July 27, from 5-7 p.m. the Museum will host a Member-only meet-and-greet with Rodney within the Planet Shark exhibition, before he meets with the general public on Saturday. During the day Friday, Rodney will meet children attending summer camp at the Museum as well as teenage volunteers at the Museum.
•*On Saturday, July 28, Rodney will host a meet-and-greet with the general public, within the Planet Shark exhibition, at scheduled times:
- 10-10:30am
- 12:30-1pm
- 2-2:30pm
- 4-4:30pm
*The general public must purchase a ticket to the Planet Shark exhibition for the meet-and-greet with Rodney on Saturday, July 28.
About Rodney:
Great White shark attack survivor-turned-advocate, Rodney Fox, was attacked by a Great White shark and severely mauled around the chest and arm in December 1963. It’s no doubt that Rodney’s survival from one of the worst non-fatal Great White shark attacks on record is truly a miracle. Rodney suffered the attack during a spearfishing competition in South Australia, when he describes feeling what he called “a thump on his left side” and was suddenly in the mouth of a Great White shark. After one try to escape unsuccessfully, the shark then attacked a fish float attached to Rodney’s waist by a rope dragging him further underwater. The rope broke and Rodney was able to kick to the surface of the water. His bodily injuries were so severe it took more than 360 stitches to repair his wounds. To this day, he still has part of a Great White tooth embedded in his right wrist.
Since the attack, Rodney has devoted his life to shark expeditions, conservation and research. Rodney’s involvement in more than 100 different documentaries and movies includes consulting with director Steven Spielberg for the 1975 film “Jaws,” and Peter Benchley, author of the book and screenwriter for the film. Rodney also pioneered shark cages, used in shark cage diving, and organized the first expedition to hunt and film the Great White shark.
He delivers a firm message that "sharks are not all that bad, we have very few confrontations with them, and we should look after all our fishes especially the Great White. We must learn to live with and understand all sharks including the Great White Sharks and not kill them simply out of fear." Rodney hopes that through the process of understanding and education that anyone can begin to appreciate and respect that which they were formally afraid of, to enjoy a better life.