This sand tiger shark is first of his species born by artificial insemination

By Harrison Moore via SWNS

An aquarium says it has made history with world’s first successful birth by artificial insemination of a sand tiger shark - a globally listed vulnerable species.

Ripley’s Marine Science Research Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina says it artificially inseminated a female tiger shark back in May last year.

And, after 24 hour observation for ten months, the shark finally gave birth to a newborn on March 24, according to a press release.

Named Rip after the aquarium's founder, Robert LeRoy Ripley, the pup marks a significant step for its species, the aquarium said.

The mother and baby shark are completely healthy, and today Rip weighs 17.4 pounds and measures 36.6 inches.

He is growing at a natural rate, just as he would in the wild.

Globally, these sharks are listed as a vulnerable species, and are endangered in some areas as a result of commercial fishing.

Rip will remain behind the scenes until he has reached a few additional milestones in his development.

Tim Handsel, Vice President, Husbandry, Ripley’s Aquarium, said: “Rip represents the future and an important moment in history for his species.

“When research, science, and care come together, the future of vulnerable species like the sand tiger shark looks brighter.

"This pup means a great deal to Ripley’s Aquariums and the survival of the species around the world.”