The public is reminded to keep their distance from marine and coastal wildlife at all times and to not interfere with them after a whale shark was spotted nearly beached at Clifton Fourth Beach just after 11am on Thursday.
Also read: Local resident suffers fatal incident while swimming at Clifton Beach
According to a beachgoer at the scene, the whale shark was pushed back into the water with the assistance of fellow beachgoers after it got stuck in shallow water.
It is believed that the shark is either injured or a juvenile that’s been separated from its mother.
‘The shark swam slowly back into the sea, however, it was followed by swimmers trying to capture footage. People then boarded SUPs to follow it,’ the beachgoer added. ‘It has continued to come near the shore since and appears to be docile and slow.’
Footage:
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According to Dyers Island Conservation Trust, whale sharks do not normally occur in cold waters. They prefer warm tropical waters such as Mozambique and Madagascar.
Interestingly though, this is not the first time a whale shark was discovered venturing into the cold. In April 2019, a five-metre whale shark was found washed ashore on a local beach in Kommetjie.
Cape RADD attributed the incident to the young shark getting caught up in the cold currents of the West Coast and dying as a result of the inability to manage its body heat.
Approximately two weeks later, another whale shark carcass was found washed up on the shores of Camps Bay.
Despite their impressive jaws, the mouths of whale sharks are full of barely visible teeth. They are the largest known fish but pose no real threat to humans as they feed on plankton – hence the name.
Nonetheless, residents and visitors are once again reminded to treat all marine and coastal wildlife with respect and to remove their pets from areas where wildlife may be present.
Here’s what to do when you encounter any marine or coastal wildlife:
- Do not approach or try to get close to any marine or coastal wildlife. Their natural response will be to defend themselves and this may result in aggressive behaviour.
- Always keep a respectful distance between yourself and any wildlife to reduce stress on the wildlife. Move away if approached by wildlife.
- Never try to touch or pose with any marine or coastal wildlife. This places both you and the wildlife at risk of potential harm.
- Keep dogs under control by keeping them on a leash and well away from all wildlife at all times. Remove pets immediately from any place where coastal wildlife is present.
- Never try to feed any marine or coastal wildlife.
- Do not support the illegal feeding of wildlife for show. This is an illegal activity and must not be supported financially or otherwise.
In case of any injured, hurt, or coastal wildlife in distress, kindly contact the City of Cape Town on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline. The appropriate response will be initiated to assist the animal. Members of the public are urged not to act on their own and without authority.
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Picture: Screenshot from supplied video