On social media, a video is circulating that has left many users speechless: a man launched himself from a boat to land on the back of a whale shark, starting to dance and jump as if it were a stage. The scene occurred in the waters off the coast of Abadan, in Iran, near an oil platform.
The man, who remained anonymous, did not limit himself to riding the animal, but began to dance and applaud while he was balanced on his back. The whale shark, despite the provocation, remained calm and continued to swim without reacting aggressively. However, this does not make the gesture less serious, since it is potentially harmful behavior for both the animal and man.
The risks for the animal
Balena sharks are peaceful creatures and do not represent a danger to the human being. However, their skin is covered with a delicate layer of protective mucus that serves to defend them from parasites and infections. Jumping or touching the animal can compromise this natural barrier, making it vulnerable to disease and weakening health. An act that, in addition to being meaningless, can have irreversible consequences for the survival of these marine giants.
A phenomenon that continues to repeat itself
It is not the first time that similar episodes end up on the net. In the past, other videos have shown people who have fun riding sharks or other sea creatures just to obtain likes and views. This type of irresponsible behavior risks transforming itself into a dangerous fashion, fueled by the attention on social media and by the lack of respect towards marine fauna.
Repugnant scenes where animals are treated like entertainment tools. Social platforms are becoming the place where questionable actions are amplified which, in order to obtain popularity, put life of innocent living beings at risk. It is necessary to promote greater education to respect the marine environment, so that the wonder for these creatures will turn into protection and not into exploitation.
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