A Whale Shark of a Day

What’s celebration of whale shark day about? — Well it’s a special wildlife day on the 30th of August each year in recognition of one of the greatest species of the oceans and marine life being the spectacular “whale shark” sometimes referred to as a carpet shark.

These incredible marine animals who inhabit the warmer waters of the earth’s ocean coastal waterways uniqueness is unrivalled by any of its family genus. As the largest fish in the world it can reach up to 12.5 m in length and known to weigh up to 11,000 kg.

Like whales they have a big mouth that looks like its smiling and jaws that can open up to 1.5 m wide, which makes it like a river of water running in when it swallows its food such as krill and squid and small fish for example.

A favourite who attracts many onlookers in marine parks and aquariums it’s the quiet beauty and grace of these harmless and solitary fish, which are a marvel to see when in the waters especially when in their natural habitat in the sea swimming around in such graceful manner and truly at one with their environment.

What you can do to help the Whale Shark Family.

In a lot of countries the whale shark is protected with the International union for conservation of nature (ICUN) having them listed as vulnerable on their endangered list of threatened species mainly as a concern due to exploitation through fishing in which their big fins in particular are a prized delicacy and also danger of being hit from passing ships.

If you happen to take any real life photos of the whale shark send them to www.whaleshark.org especially photos depicting its left side behind its gills and they will add them to their world database.

In many cultures these magnificent marine animals are revered and respected for their majesty of size, and longevity, and intelligence. They are a wonderful fish and bring much delight to young and old alike.

On behalf of all the whale sharks Humanitarians Yes would like ask that if you come across a whale shark next time in your travels to say thank you and could you please take a minute to remember and share a thought for just how much joy and pleasure they like to give you as a gift from being themselves and sharing their story on who they are so that humanity too may appreciate them as part of the wonderful diversity of nature, its resources, and life on Earth.

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