Unveiling the Enigmatic Alien Sharks of Shark Week: Venture into Strange New Worlds

Summary

At the forefront is Forrest Galante, a daring adventurer and conservationist, who leads the expedition. Galante also plays a vital role in Colossal Biosciences, a company dedicated to reviving extinct species.

Shark Week is back on Discovery with thrilling new shows like Alien Sharks: Strange New Worlds. This fresh edition of the Alien Sharks series explores the captivating underwater world off the coast of South Africa, focusing on extraordinary creatures such as the sevengill shark. Known for its distinctive characteristic, this shark species is extremely rare. The program also provides viewers with unprecedented deep-sea videography, unexpected discoveries, and much more.

Forrest Galante, a renowned conservationist and explorer known for his quest to rediscover species thought to be extinct, takes the lead in Alien Sharks: Strange New Worlds. Galante, who has previously hosted popular TV shows like Extinct or Alive and Nature's Strangest Mysteries: Solved, is also associated with Colossal Biosciences. This pioneering company aims to reintroduce extinct creatures such as the dodo bird, thylacine, and wooly mammoth back into the natural environment through de-extinction. Galante exudes confidence that the efficacy of Colossal Biosciences' approach will become apparent by the end of 2023.

Speaking exclusively to Screen Rant, Forrest Galante delves into the fascinating world of alien sharks, the concept of de-extinction, and much more.

Forrest Galante on Alien Sharks: Strange New Worlds

Screen Rant: You covered a vast number of steps and locations in your search for the sevengill in Alien Sharks. Your reputation for hunting extinct or endangered species precedes you. How does this particular expedition compare to your other endeavors in terms of duration and difficulty?

Forrest Galante: In comparison, this hunt was relatively less challenging. When it comes to my work on Extinct or Alive, and my search for extinct species, the journey itself often takes precedence. The chances of actually finding something are usually very slim, despite our considerable success thus far. However, in this case, our main objective was always to locate the sevengill. We were aware of their presence, but it was unlikely to find them in a manmade harbor. That aspect made it truly unique.

The stress level was significantly reduced compared to our usual activities. We had the convenience of staying in hotels every night and spending our days on the boat, making it much easier than the challenging month-long missions where we slept in hammocks in remote locations such as deep in the Amazon or the African bush. This experience was more manageable while still being equally enjoyable to showcase.

In addition to the sevengill shark, there were other fascinating sharks such as the pajama shark and the wedgefish. What inspired you to concentrate on these specific species, and do you have a personal favorite among them?

Forrest Galante: When it comes to Shark Week, the focus is usually on the well-known sharks like white sharks, hammerheads, and tiger sharks. However, my passion lies in bringing attention to the lesser-known organisms. I absolutely love finding and showcasing these amazing creatures, allowing the world to develop an appreciation for them. Taking over the Alien Sharks franchise was incredibly exciting because it gave us the opportunity to present a variety of unique animals. While our main focus was on sevengills, we also had the chance to feature other fascinating species that I was thrilled about.

There were two standout moments for me, although it's difficult to choose because I enjoyed the entire experience. First, catching the wedgefish felt nearly impossible. We had initially prepared for this with a smaller crew, assuming it would be unlikely to actually catch one and include it in the show. So, when we successfully reeled one in, it was incredibly exciting. Second, my favorite moment by far was being underwater with the striped pajama sharks. They had just eaten crayfish and were full of energy. They started approaching me for what seemed like shark massages. I was there stimulating their ampullae, rolling them over, and one even nuzzled my armpit while another was at the back of my neck. I remember telling them, "I'll get to you in a minute!"

I was immensely fascinated by it. I had never experienced such a profound connection with a shark previously, and I unequivocally fell head over heels for that particular shark. Upon arriving home, I excitedly shared with my wife a heartfelt notion: one day, when my ambitions in conservation manifest into billions of dollars, improbable as it may seem, I shall construct an indoor pool brimming with those magnificent creatures. That way, I can effortlessly submerge myself and embrace the sharks whenever the desire strikes. It was an unparalleled moment of adoration; it became my ultimate highlight. Additionally, witnessing their mating rituals, a sight rarely captured, was truly monumental.

Regarding unrecorded occurrences, you have also placed a camera at an extremely deep location in the ocean, resulting in obtaining a plethora of unique footage. How does it feel to know that you are among the first individuals to witness or document such occurrences? It must be truly astounding.

Forrest Galante: Well, after having done it numerous times, I suppose I have become immune to the novelty. Excuse the boasting, but the excitement of witnessing something for the very first time never fades. The initial encounter between humans and a particular habitat, an section of the ocean, a novel creature, or a fresh organism is an immensely captivating experience. We are immensely fortunate in Alien Sharks to have benefited from Christine de Silva's presence and her specialized BRUVs (baited remote underwater video devices), which we have deployed at significant depths of thousands of feet.

We were unquestionably the first individuals to ever witness that particular section of the ocean, which is an intriguing concept to ponder. It is a remarkable experience to observe a portion of the seafloor that has never been seen by humans before, made possible only by cutting-edge technology, and then to witness the organisms that exist within it. I don't really deserve any credit for this; all the recognition goes to Christine and her tools. I had the privilege of partaking in her research, which was truly fascinating.

As someone not involved in the field, it is easy to assume that scientists have explored everything. I acknowledge that this is a ludicrous statement, but I wonder about the challenges of obtaining new footage and discovering something novel. How frequently does this happen in your line of work?

It is becoming increasingly challenging due to the growing number of people and their expanding areas of study. Our overall understanding of the world has also broadened. The discovery of significant new species has decreased over time, with the saola in '95 possibly being the most recent one. Nevertheless, I have a couple of beliefs.

Firstly, many scientists tend to be excessively arrogant, projecting an image that they possess complete knowledge. This mindset hinders their ability to think creatively and explore new subjects. However, if one is open-minded and innovative, there remains an endless potential for discovering and learning new things. Vast portions of the world, such as the deep ocean, are still unexplored. With advancing technology, it is certain that we will uncover entirely new large species in the deep sea.

I vividly recall coming across a TikTok video of yours last year in which you were brimming with enthusiasm for a company called Colossal that is actively working towards reviving the thylacine. I'm curious to know your thoughts on the future feasibility of de-extinction for other species. Is it something that occupies your thoughts or fuels your dreams?

Forrest Galante: Well, you've caught me off guard with this question, my friend, and I must say, I quite enjoy it. Without any sugarcoating, let me share my perspective with you. I am currently serving as a conservation advisor for Colossal, which means I am closely involved in the shaping of their conservation plans. This includes not only species undergoing de-extinction but also those that currently exist. While I cannot delve into the details, I can assure you that a significant announcement is on the horizon towards the end of this year. This forthcoming revelation will provide undeniable evidence of the viability of our de-extinction efforts. Trust me, it's immensely thrilling.

It's thrilling because what it accomplishes is enabling us, as individuals, to rectify our mistakes. Instead of attempting to construct Jurassic Park like Colossal, they utilize the extraordinary field of bioscience and technology to restore ecosystems that we have adversely affected by eradicating crucial species. The objective is to reintroduce a thylacine to Tasmania, a dodo to Mauritius, and mammoths to the Arctic tundra since humans contributed to their extinction. Without these animals, we might perceive the ecosystem as splendid, but it is actually fragmented and damaged. The reintroduction of these animals will play a significant role in repairing that ecosystem. And it is undeniably exhilarating.

About Alien Sharks: Strange New Worlds

Located at the southernmost point of South Africa, a fascinating realm awaits discovery. This region is renowned for its eccentric sharks, known to possess peculiar traits and a truly otherworldly allure. Accompanied by wildlife biologist Forrest Galante, we embark on a captivating expedition into uncharted kelp forests and vast ocean depths, unveiling the mysteries of these extraordinary beings.

Check back for our other Shark Week interviews here:

Tom Hird on Cocaine Sharks and Great White Fight Club

Dr. Austin Gallagher on Monster Mako: Fresh Blood and Belly of the Beast

Alien Sharks: Strange New Worlds will premiere at 10 p.m. on Monday, July 24 on Discovery for Shark Week.

Source: Screen Rant Plus