Hongkongers urged to stop approaching whale in Sai Kung after suspected propeller injury
Hong Kong Free Press
Hongkongers have been urged to stop approaching a whale spotted in Sai Kung after experts spotted injuries on the animal.
The whale, which was first spotted on July 13 in Sai Kung near Millionaire’s Beach, is believed to be a Bryde’s whale. Since the whale sighting, Hongkongers – and journalists – flocked to Sai Kung in the hope of spotting the whale, with boats in the area offering rides to approach it.
The animal was spotted with a cut on its back in recent days, with the injury suspected to have been caused by a sharp object such as a boat propeller, said Lydia Pang, senior manager of Oceans Conservation of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) on Commercial Radio on Wednesday.
The whale might stop hunting and remain in shallow waters if it is under pressure. The fact that it stayed in the city’s waters might already demonstrate that it is feeling unwell, said Pang.
“Actually some whale and dolphin watching guidelines suggest a 100-metre distance, if a whale appears within the 100-metre radius, we should try our best to stop or slow down the boat,” said Pang in Cantonese.
“Unless [the animal] approaches the boat, we suggest people do not actively approach the whale,” she added.
Pang also said that the whale’s wound seemed to be larger than several days ago, adding that she was worried the situation might worsen.
Members of the public approaching the whale may lead to “life-threatening consequences” for the animal, including trauma and an “inability to rest or feed,” said Ocean Park, and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) in a statement on Tuesday.
“Ocean Park and OPCFHK are concerned about the well-being of the animal and want to ensure that it is not disturbed or harmed in any way,” the statement read.
“Ocean Park and OPCFHK strongly urge the public to refrain from crowding and chasing the whale, as it can be dangerous and harmful to both the animal and human beings. The public is recommended to maintain a safe and respectful distance from the whale.”
The park and the foundation added that experts believed the whale needed special care from specialists, and that their team was “working closely” with the government to monitor the animal’s condition.
Support HKFP | Policies & Ethics | Error/typo? | Contact Us | Newsletter | Transparency & Annual Report | Apps
Help safeguard press freedom & keep HKFP free for all readers by supporting our team
Support press freedom & help us surpass 1,000 monthly Patrons: 100% independent, governed by an ethics code & not-for-profit.
