You know it is a shiny when you engage it...so you know if you lose one.
When you try to send a shiny to the Prof. you get a warning message specifically stating it is a shiny...and you need to confirm the wish to send it away.
Shiny magikarp is in the game...we can get it after the event, but with the increased spawns at the moment you have a much better chance.
Happy hunting.
