Share A zebra shark, also known as the Indo-Pacific leopard shark, patrols a reef off Vaavu Atoll in the Indian Ocean. Aquariums are trying to use eggs produced by captive sharks to boost wild populations of the endangered species. Jordi Chias/Minden Pictures Aquariums hatch unusual plan to save endangered zebra shark Feb. 17, 2021 , 10:45 AM A leopard can’t change its spots, and a zebra can’t change its stripes. But the zebra shark has long delighted ocean divers and aquarium visitors with its ability to transform the white bands it is born with into spots as it grows. Now, the endangered shark is grabbing attention for another reason: It’s at the center of an unprecedented effort to rebuild a wild shark population using eggs from aquariums.