The clip was recorded by other passengers on the boat.
A man has been criticized on social media for jumping from a boat near two orcas, or killer whales, in New Zealand. Video of the man’s act was shared on Instagram by the Department of Conservation (DOC), which called the incident “shocking and foolish”. DOC said it appeared to be a deliberate effort to touch or “body slam” the marine mammals. The department also announced that the 50-year-old diver was fined $600 (Rs 30,600) in New Zealand.
The incident occurred off the coast of Devonport in February, but the department has now shared the video.
“The man demonstrated reckless disregard for his own safety – and that of the adult male orca with a calf swimming near the vessel,” the DOC said in the accompanying Instagram post.
The clip was recorded by other passengers on the boat. In the clip, the man is heard saying “I touched it” and asking “Did you catch it?” in apparent reference to footage of the incident.
“This is stupid behavior and demonstrates a shocking disregard for the orca’s welfare. It is extremely irresponsible. Orcas are immensely powerful animals, and this really could have ended horribly – with the frightened whale being injured or the man responsible being injured by the aggravated animal”, the DOC said in a statement.
He added that it is illegal to swim with whales, or disturb or harass any marine mammal. “It’s a very clear violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.”
Orcas are apex predators and the population of the species found in New Zealand waters is estimated at between 150 and 200 individuals.
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