Classrooms Can Help Name Discovery Space’s New Baby Bamboo Shark

Discovery Space in State College is inviting K–12 classrooms across Pennsylvania to help name the newest resident of its Marine Life Center: a juvenile whitespotted bamboo shark.

The community-wide naming contest will give students the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Discovery Space’s Marine Life Center.

The bamboo shark is expected to arrive later this fall through Discovery Space’s ongoing partnership with Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton. The collaboration allows Discovery Space to raise juvenile marine animals until they are ready to transition to Electric City Aquarium’s permanent exhibits. Along the way, the animals give thousands of children and families the opportunity to observe their growth and learn about marine biology, conservation and animal care.

The partnership first introduced the community to Pearl, the California round ray that local classrooms helped name in March 2025. Since then, visitors have watched Pearl grow from a juvenile into a thriving stingray, and this fall, Pearl will relocate to Electric City Aquarium, making room for Discovery Space’s newest resident.

“People often think caring about the ocean begins and ends at the coast, but the truth is we’re all connected to it,” Kendra Adkins, marine educator and lead aquarist at Discovery Space, said. “Watching Pearl grow has shown us just how powerful that connection can be. Thousands of children have returned again and again to check on her, ask questions, and learn about the diversity of marine life. For many of them, this was their very first interaction with a living marine animal. It’s been incredible to watch that curiosity grow alongside Pearl, and we’re so excited to begin that journey again with our new bamboo shark.”

To participate in the naming contest, visit discoveryspace.org/project/shark.

1. Color the Shark: Teachers and troop leaders can download a printable coloring sheet featuring the baby shark
2. Vote as a Class: After students complete their coloring sheets, classrooms vote on their favorite name.
3. Submit the Class Entry by Friday, Oct. 30:
   • Google Form (Preferred Method): https://forms.gle/gkVa35yQ4LyK69oR6
   • Email Option: A scanned or photographed submission can also be sent to Shark@DiscoverySpace.org.

The classroom that submits the winning name will receive a free class field trip to Discovery Space and a shark-themed STEM lesson and classroom activity kit.

Finalists will be announced for public voting on Nov. 6 and the winning name will be announced on Nov. 23.

While the exact transition date has not yet been determined, Pearl will remain at Discovery Space through the end of September before relocating to Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den. Visitors will have a few more weeks to see her and celebrate how much she has grown during her time in State College.

Discovery Spaces plans to share details about a special birthday and going-away celebration for Pearl later this month.