TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Whale Shark spotted in Gorontalo waters
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
A whale shark approaches the surface of the water (Shutterstock/Andrea Izzotti)
A
whale shark has been spotted swimming off the coast of Botubarani village, Bone Bolango regency, Gorontalo province, since last week. Locals have been trying to keep the majestic animal nearby by scattering shrimp heads for it to eat.
“The whale shark was first spotted on Thursday. On Saturday, there were two of them,” said Arfan Napu, a local resident, as quoted by Tempo.co. He said several visitors from Jakarta had stopped by to see the whale shark.
Read also: Cenderawasih Bay, a haven for whale shark enthusiasts
The seasonal phenomenon has given locals an additional source of income, as they normally rent out boats for visitors wanting to go whale shark-watching.
“To rent a boat to see the whale sharks, we still charge the same fee of Rp 15,000 (US$1.06) per-person. To feed the whale shark, it’s Rp 10,000 per package of shrimp heads,” said Arfan.
A visitor from Jakarta, Devyani Anggraini said she was happy to see a whale shark up close.
“This is my first time seeing a whale shark. I can take pictures and feed it directly,” she said, adding that she hoped to return to Gorontalo to see more whale sharks and enjoy other wonders of the region’s marine tourism. (asw)
