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50-year-old Man Fined After Attempting to ‘Body Slam’ A Killer Whale in New Zealand

body slam killer whale
Screenshot via CTV News, youtube.

Officials in New Zealand who were tipped off to the social media video described the man’s behavior as “stupid” and “extremely irresponsible.”

Incident Overview

body slam killer whale
Screenshot via CTV News, youtube.

A New Zealand man has been fined over a social media video in which he tries to “body slam” an orca swimming next to his boat, in what officials called “stupid” and “extremely irresponsible” behavior.

Watch the video here.

The Viral Video

YouTube video
“man fined after trying to ‘body slam’ orca whale” via CTV News, youtube.

In a video the Department of Conservation says was shared to Instagram in February, the 50-year-old Auckland man, whom authorities did not name, jumped off the boat into waters off the coast of the Auckland suburb of Devonport, where an adult male orca and calf were swimming nearby.

Man’s Behavior on Camera

orca breach
A Bigg’s orca jumping out of the sea. Image via Depositphotos

The man yells “I touched it” to the other people on the boat and then asks “Did you get that?” in an apparent reference to whether his encounter with the orca was successfully filmed. He then tries to touch the animal again. Other people aboard the vessel can be heard laughing and cheering in the background.

Public Alert

Jumping orca whale. Image by MennoSchaefer via Depositphotos

A member of the public had alerted the Department of Conservation to the video, which principal investigation officer Hayden Loper said left officials “genuinely stunned.”

Official Response

A killer whales (Orca) plays in water. Image via Depositphotos

“This is stupid behavior and demonstrates a shocking disregard for the welfare of the orca. It is extremely irresponsible,” Loper said in a statement on Tuesday.

Jumping orca whales Image by MennoSchaefer via Depositphotos
Breaching orca. Juan Islands. Image via Depositphotos

He added that orca, also known as killer whales, are protected in New Zealand and it is illegal to swim with them. The department said the man had been fined 600 New Zealand dollars (about $365).

Potential Consequences for Wildlife

Baby humpback whale swimming alongside orca
Baby humpback whale alongside orca. Image by BBC via Depositphotos

“Orca are immensely powerful animals, and this really could have ended horribly — with either the startled whale being injured, or the man responsible being harmed by the aggravated animal,” Loper noted.

Expert Opinions

Orcas Stalk Blue Shark
Killer whale (Orcinus orca), adult breaching. Image via Depositphotos

“If we continue to behave aggressively or inappropriately around animals, particularly animals like the big brain Orcas, they will probably learn to avoid us.” Mark Simmonds, Director of Science at OceanCare, told NBC News. “They might even learn to respond in ways that we won’t like.”

Orca Characteristics

Orca
Orca Killer Whale Calf surfaces in Antarctica, Greenland. Image via Depositphotos

Orca, whose numbers in New Zealand are estimated to be between 150 and 200, are apex predators that can weigh 12,000 pounds or more. The animals, the largest members of the dolphin family, have made headlines in recent months over a series of boat-ramming incidents off the Iberian Peninsula, including last week.

Recent Boat-Ramming Incidents

Selective focus. The pair of transient killer whales travel through the waters of Avacha Bay, Kamchatka

Experts say the orca are most likely acting out of curiosity and playfulness rather than attacking the boats.

Schwertwal – Orca / Killer whale / Orcinus orca

In New Zealand, orcas are legally protected, and it is illegal to swim with them or harass them in any way. This legislation is in place to protect both the orcas and humans from potential harm.

Public Reaction

Two killer whales.Image by ivkovich via Depositphotos

The video sparked outrage among viewers who criticized the man’s actions as reckless and disrespectful to wildlife.

Conservation Efforts

Orca
Orca. Image by Tim Cole via Unsplash

New Zealand’s Department of Conservation continues to work towards protecting orca populations and educating the public on the importance of respecting marine life.

Importance of Responsible Wildlife Interaction

Detail of orca. Image via Depositphotos

This incident highlights the need for responsible behavior around wildlife and the potential consequences of neglecting these responsibilities.

Call to Action

Orca sucker punch dolphin
Credit: netzeroexpeditions via Instagram

Authorities urge the public to report any similar incidents to help protect wildlife and ensure that such reckless behavior does not go unpunished.

Conclusion

Killer Whale, orcinus orca, Adult
Killer Whale, orcinus orca, Adult. Image via Depositphotos

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and the legal implications of irresponsible behavior.