NEW DELHI: A New Zealand man has been fined by the Department of Conservation after a video of him attempting to “body slam” an orca went viral. The video, which was posted on Instagram, shows the unnamed man leaping from a boat and landing on the orca, shouting, “I touched it!”
Authorities were alerted to the video, which quickly sparked outrage among conservationists and the public.The man was fined for harassing marine wildlife, a serious offense under New Zealand law. The Department of Conservation emphasized the importance of respecting marine life and adhering to wildlife protection regulations, a CNN report said.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson from the Department of Conservation said, “Harassing wildlife is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. We urge people to observe marine animals from a safe and respectful distance.”
“This incident highlights the need for greater public education on how to interact with wildlife responsibly,” said a representative from the World Wildlife Fund. “We need to ensure that people understand the impact their actions can have on these incredible animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.”
The video has since been removed from Instagram, but not before it garnered significant attention and criticism. The man’s actions were widely condemned on social media, with many users calling for stricter penalties and better enforcement of wildlife protection laws. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable,” tweeted one user. “We need to do more to protect our marine life from such reckless actions.”
The incident has highlighted the need for increased awareness and education about the importance of protecting marine life. Conservation groups are urging the public to report any similar incidents to authorities and to promote respectful and responsible behavior towards wildlife.
Authorities were alerted to the video, which quickly sparked outrage among conservationists and the public.The man was fined for harassing marine wildlife, a serious offense under New Zealand law. The Department of Conservation emphasized the importance of respecting marine life and adhering to wildlife protection regulations, a CNN report said.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson from the Department of Conservation said, “Harassing wildlife is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. We urge people to observe marine animals from a safe and respectful distance.”
“This incident highlights the need for greater public education on how to interact with wildlife responsibly,” said a representative from the World Wildlife Fund. “We need to ensure that people understand the impact their actions can have on these incredible animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.”
The video has since been removed from Instagram, but not before it garnered significant attention and criticism. The man’s actions were widely condemned on social media, with many users calling for stricter penalties and better enforcement of wildlife protection laws. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable,” tweeted one user. “We need to do more to protect our marine life from such reckless actions.”
The incident has highlighted the need for increased awareness and education about the importance of protecting marine life. Conservation groups are urging the public to report any similar incidents to authorities and to promote respectful and responsible behavior towards wildlife.