Smallest Whale Shark Discovered -- On a Leash

Smallest Whale Shark Discovered -- On a Leash

news.nationalgeographic.com

A local whale shark "interaction officer" cradles what is likely the smallest known wild example of the world's biggest fish on Saturday in San Antonio, Philippines (map). (See video below for baby-adult size comparison.)

The discovery of the baby whale shark could help protect these rare giants by shedding light on where whale sharks are born.

Early on March 7 a project leader from the international conservation organization WWF and others in the town of Donsol heard that a live whale shark was being offered for sale at a nearby beach. Expecting a stranded giant, the rescuers found instead a 15-inch (38-centimeter) shark leashed to a stake in the mud like a neglected puppy.

(visit the link for the full news article)

We as the only species on Earth which can protect other species.

Selling rare animals...is this a good way to keep them alive and stop their extinction or is this a way to line pockets and harm nature?

Part of me believes that we should leave nature alone as much as possible, as there is a natural balance. But with our own growing presence here on this planet we are upestting that balance; we need to develop better ways to monitor and maintain it.

news.nationalgeographic.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

Originally posted by Nick_X
Selling rare animals...is this a good way to keep them alive and stop their extinction or is this a way to line pockets and harm nature?

In this instance? It has nothing to do with keeping them alive or slowing their progression toward extinction. It has everything to do with earning money by presenting a spectacle, a novel creature for someone to take home and eventually discard when it becomes too burdensome. Casual sales-for-profit of rare animals is not something that we should support in any way, shape or form.