In a twist that captivates the heartstrings of social media users worldwide, a video depicting what appeared to be a shark ‘rescuing’ a trapped turtle and delivering it to fishermen for aid spread like wildfire across the internet. However, the backstory unfolds a narrative far from the initial impressions.
A Viral Sensation With A Misleading Twist
Several weeks ago, the internet was abuzz with a video showcasing a “shark saving an injured turtle,” gathering millions of views. The footage showed a shark nudging a turtle towards the back of a boat, seemingly assisting it in climbing aboard. Upon the turtle’s retrieval by one of the crew, it was discovered to be ensnared by two ropes restricting its breathing. The crew quickly sprang into action, cutting the ropes and tending to the turtle’s wounds before releasing it back into the ocean, praising the shark for its ‘heroic’ deed.
The Reality Behind The Rescue
As enchanting as the narrative might seem, it turns out the video is a clever edit, a revelation brought to light by Brut nature. According to the media outlet, “What is happening in this video is not one story but two entirely different stories,” debunking the single narrative of the shark’s intentional rescue operation. The shark was not, in fact, aiding a rope-entangled turtle. The video was a splice of two separate clips merged through a transition effect.
Information further clarifies that the second part of the video was originally posted on YouTube on August 12, 2016, by the channel Sea Turtle Biologist, amassing over 33 million views. The first part, however, originated from a YouTube post four years later, attracting over 756,000 views. Notably, these scenes were filmed over 1000 kilometers apart, with the initial scene off the Bahamas coast.
During a fishing outing, friends observed a tiger shark pursuing a turtle near their vessel. It’s worth noting that turtles are a dietary staple for this shark species, as pointed out by Brut. On this occasion, the predator opted to forsake its chase, allowing the fishermen to rescue the turtle and subsequently release it moments later.
The Lesson Learned
This viral phenomenon serves as a fascinating case study in the power of storytelling and the importance of scrutinizing the content we consume and share online. While the edited video captured the imagination of millions, its unraveling reveals a more complex reality, reminding us of the intricate and sometimes misunderstood interactions in the animal kingdom.
