Rare Greenland shark spotted off UK coast

A few days ago, Senior Fellow of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Professor Rosie Woodroffe reported about the discovery of a dead Greenland shark. The animal's body washed ashore at Newlyn, in Cornwall.

While Rosie went to pick up the veterinarians, the shark was swept away by the tide. However, locals, scientists and wildlife enthusiasts hunted down animal and handed over for study.

Such a high interest from the public and scientists is explained by the fact that the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is the rarest species and the world's oldest vertebrate animal.

The maximum recorded length of such a shark is 6.4 m, and the mass is about 1 ton. It is believed that these giants can live up to 400 years in the wild.

Because of their incredibly long lifespan, they are often referred to as "living time capsules". Researchers hope that the genes of Greenland sharks may reveal the secret to longevity.

This find is a unique opportunity to learn more about one of the most mysterious animals on Earth, which lives in the coldest, deepest and most inaccessible waters for people.

The only other Greenland shark found in the UK was found back in 2013, also dead. Then the animal got the Natural History Museum in London (video above).