Beluga Whale Bites at 2 Divers Inside Aquarium Tank, Terrifying Visitors

Beluga Whale Attempts to Bite 2 Divers at Aquarium, Terrifying Visitors

A recent incident at the Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park in Sichuan, China, has left visitors shaken after a beluga whale attempted to bite two divers inside a tank, causing a scene of panic and fear. The dramatic encounter, captured on film, unfolded on Thursday, Aug. 14, showcasing the whale’s aggressive behavior towards the divers.

The viral footage shows the chilling moment when the beluga whale surged towards a female aquarium worker, biting at her legs as she tried to swim away from the aggressive creature. Subsequently, the whale lunged at a male diver who seemed to be holding a camera, grabbing onto his flippers momentarily before swimming off. Fortunately, both divers managed to escape unharmed from the incident, as onlookers outside the tank shouted and screamed in reaction.

This isn’t the first time such a frightening interaction has occurred in captivity. In a previous incident in Yunnan, China, a woman participating in an underwater photoshoot with beluga whales was attacked, with one of the creatures pulling off her wig. Despite the alarming experience, the woman surfaced safely without any injuries, highlighting the unpredictability of interactions between beluga whales and humans.

Beluga whales are known for their sociable nature and curiosity towards humans, as evidenced by their interactions in aquarium settings. While they are considered highly intelligent creatures, instances of aggressive behaviour towards humans have been documented, particularly in captivity under stressful circumstances. These behaviours are often triggered by feelings of threat or provocation, as noted in studies on beluga whale behaviour.

According to the Natural History Museum (NHM), beluga whales are categorised as being of “least concern” on the IUCN Red List of threatened species, indicating a stable population in the wild. Despite their protected status, the recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wild animals, even in controlled environments like aquariums.

The safety of both animals and visitors in aquariums remains a top priority, with strict guidelines in place to ensure the well-being of all involved. As investigations into the beluga whale incident continue, it underscores the importance of understanding and respecting the boundaries between humans and marine wildlife, fostering a harmonious coexistence for both parties.

As news of the beluga whale’s aggressive behaviour spreads, discussions around animal welfare and captivity conditions are reignited, prompting further scrutiny of the ethics of keeping marine mammals in artificial environments. With the spotlight on this incident, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of wildlife conservation and the delicate balance required to protect both animals and visitors in such settings.

The incident at the Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park serves as a cautionary tale, prompting reflection on the interaction between humans and marine life in captive environments. As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to review safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring a secure environment for both animals and visitors in aquarium facilities.