Wildlife

Whale shark takes up residence in Knysna lagoon - South Africa

Visitors and boat operators in the Garden Route are urged to be mindful of a massive whale shark currently residing in the Knysna lagoon.

The whale shark took up temporary residence in the lagoon in an attempt to avoid the colder water in the deeper ocean, outside of the Knysna heads, the National Sea Rescue Institute in the area says. But, the animal's reluctance to head out into the cold might be weakening it.

The NSRI assisted in a rescue attempt when the shark beached on Saturday, 11 March. Appearing ill and weak, the animal was assisted in breathing by pumping water through its gills, the NSRI said.