Newport Beach, California: Georgette: 16-Foot-Long Shark
"Georgette" was a 16-foot-long preserved and mounted great white shark that weighed 3,400 pounds when it got caught in a fishing net. Formerly displayed in a Redondo Beach gift shop, which closed in 2013. Moved to current home in July 2015.
Balboa Fun Zone
- Address:
- 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, CA
- Directions:
- Balboa Fun Zone. One block north of E. Balboa Blvd, on the north side of E. Bay Ave., between Washington and Palm Sts.
- Hours:
- Th 12-3, Sa-Su 12-4 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 949-675-8915
- Admission:
- Adults $5.
-
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Visitor Tips and News About Georgette: 16-Foot-Long Shark
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The Balboa Fun Zone building where Georgette resides will be open to the public again in March. New decor surrounding her has been added since the 2017 update, and she has received two new teeth to replace the ones that were previously stolen. I am privileged to have exclusive access to her building whenever it is closed to the public, so I will update again when changes arise. For now, Georgette remains in Newport Beach, and the sign next to her is still incorrect.
[Natalie Fosdick, 03/05/2019]
Georgette has moved from the Ocean Institute in Dana Point to the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach. She's been there since July 2015. The placard that was placed on the wall beside her has the incorrect year of her death (it says 1979, but it was in 1987) and her time in storage has given her some wear and tear, but she is otherwise in good hands for now.
[Natalie Fosdick, 10/08/2017]The "Shark Attack" gift shop is closed, gone out of business.
[David Kamada, 02/19/2014]The store closed in November 2013 after 25 years in business. The 16-foot-long stuffed shark, Georgette, moved to the Ocean Institute at nearby Dana Point -- the centerpiece of its "Sustainable Seas" exhibit. July 2015: Reported gone from Dana Point, no one knows where...
Redondo Beach pier - last shop on right fork. Sign for shop says: "Home of the great white shark exhibit." Price $1.50. Georgette is in a dark room in back. Nice lesson about sharks in general and Georgette in specific. You have to ask at the front counter to see Georgette. Worth a look if you are in the area.
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Though the sign claims that Georgette died in 1979, she was alive until 1987.