As the world of angling mourns the death of Benson, Britain’s biggest common carp, a touch of ESP seems to have filtered through to another iconic carp living at Britain’s only freshwater aquarium, Lakes Aquarium, in the Lake District.
Since news of the sad demise of the 64lb 2oz Benson got out, Geoffrey, a 50-pounder himself, has not been quite himself. Although he may now hold the title of ‘biggest carp in Britain’ until proved otherwise, he has adopted a sadder and more subdued demeanour whilst swimming around his lake tank.
Normally keen to meet and greet new arrivals and be chummy with fellow inhabitants, he has been out of sorts, shying away from contact. Lakes Aquarium staff who see him every day can see something’s bothering him.
“He is a gentle giant of a fish and, since naming him, we have discovered that the name Geoffrey means ‘gift of peace’. He certainly brings that gift to the tank and many visitors find their own peace and tranquillity by watching him gracefully swim past and overhead. He definitely has his own aura and some visitors just sit and watch him for ages.”
Taking on the mantle of Britain’s biggest carp could be weighing the huge fish down. Lakes Aquarium staff estimate he is aged around 30 – a little more mature in years than Benson. Like her, he is a beautiful fish, awe-inspiring and with mesmerising scales.
Cathy Burrows, marketing manager at Lakes Aquarium, says: “Many anglers have visited us to see Geoffrey over the years, but perhaps even more will now do so.
“Carp have a unique appeal and we are not surprised that the world of angling has been hit hard by Benson’s death. Perhaps it’s just intuition on our part, but we feel that Geoffrey senses something too. Who knows, perhaps he and Benson were once carp chums and there is a little bit of ESP going on.”
Anglers wishing to visit Geoffrey can do so seven days a week, from 9am to 6pm, at a cost of just £8.75 for an adult. Those wanting to keep tabs on his progress over the next few months can do so by buying a very cost-effective pass that gives unlimited access until December 31 for just £17.50.
Visit www.lakesaquarium.co.uk for further details.