Romance songs 'aid shark mating'

Zorro had a reputation as a "ladies' shark" in Belgium

Shark handlers at London Aquarium are resorting to playing songs by Barry White and Wet Wet Wet in the hope of encouraging a zebra shark to mate.

Six-year-old Zorro was considered to be a "ladies' shark" while he was in Sea Life Belgium but has shown no interest in a female shark at Sea Life London.

He was introduced to Mazawabee at London Aquarium on Valentine's Day but so far he has not responded as hoped.

Curator Paul Hale said staff had "expected some serious mating by now".

The aquarium is also planning to use songs by Diana Ross, Tom Jones and Elvis Presley to get Zorro to change his mind.

Mr Hale said: "Zorro has something of a reputation as a ladies' shark and as Mazawabee has been 'single' for a number of years now we really thought they would get together very quickly.

"Research suggests that fish can not only hear music but can appreciate different tunes and melodies so we have decided to see if some good old-fashioned love songs will get them in the mood."

The aquarium's playlist includes Barry White's Baby We Better Try To Get It Together and My First, My Last, My Everything; Ross and Lionel Richie's Endless Love, Elvis's I Can't Help Falling In Love and Unchained Melody.