New sharks at Newport Aquarium in time for Shark Week

You should know this: They feel like rubber. Nice rubber.

So, not slimy. But their teeth are another story.

At the Newport Aquarium, you can't touch all the sharks, just the ones at the Shark Central. There are 12 species there. Consider it your personal effort toward saving some of the planet's coolest marine life.

The newest shark species to the aquarium – two adult female zebra sharks were released into its tanks Monday – aren't touchable by the public, though they are decidedly photogenic. The fish – yes, they're fish – are part of an national animal breeding program designed to preserve genetic diversity in vulnerable species.

"We want to share our excitement for sharks," said Aquarium Animal Ambassador Ric Urban. "They're not what they're illustrated as being during Shark Week. We don't sensationalize them."

So, as TV programming devoted exclusively to sharks hits the airwaves this week, here's what you need to know about the aquarium's newest residents and their relations:

• Despite recent attacks off the Carolina coast, the probability of becoming a shark snack is low. "Sharks attack because it's a case of mistaken identity," said Kenzie Ferguson, 14, a volunteer at the aquarium. "Humans on surfboards look a lot like sea lions."

• There are 130 zebra sharks in captivity in North American zoos and aquariums. Although native to the Indian and Pacific oceans, these females came to the Newport Aquarium from collections in Omaha and Long Beach.

• Zebra sharks begin their lives with delicate stripes reminiscent of their namesakes, but as they mature their stripes morph into polka-dots.

• Shark love isn't terribly romantic. "Shark breeding can be pretty violent," said Michael Todd, guest experience manager. "You get that nudging and love-biting going on."

After the two sharks were released, aquarium staff and visitors mingled in the Coral Reef tunnel.

"I heard about a lot of sharks, they sort of freak me out. I feel like they are going to pop up and eat me," said Emma Russo, 10 of Keyport, New Jersey, who was visiting the aquarium with her family. "But I'm not as afraid of them as I used to be."

Sam Schepper, 8, of Fort Wright took a more enthusiastic approach: "I'm not afraid of sharks unless they have teeth as big as my arm."

Since June, seven shark attacks have occurred off the coast of North Carolina, but Urban said that shouldn't faze beachgoers.

"I'm going to Myrtle Beach (this summer) and I'm going swimming," he said.

Where to meet the zebra sharks: 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, Kentucky 41071

Surrounded by Sharks tank and the Coral Reef Tunnel

When: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.