Show Navigation
back to search results

Sperm Whale Responding to Harassment | Physeter macrocephalus

This is an adult female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) slapping the surface of the ocean with her fluke. She reacted immediately when a person entered the water and tried to approach her and other members of her social unit. The whales were resting, and it was clear that they did not wish to be disturbed. Worse still, other people subsequently entered the water as well. Ecotourism has been a catchall term that connotes a positive activity, but interactions with wild animals like this need to be regulated with proper enforcement by knowledgeable people. Otherwise ecotourism can be a damaging activity, sacrificing the welfare of wildlife for the sake of profit.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download
Filename
sperm-whale-slapping-fluke-in-response-to-harassment-sri-lanka-201703-1285.tif
Copyright
Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size
5087x3391 / 49.4MB
https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm
https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu
Contained in galleries
Sperm Whales, Marine Life | Sri Lanka
This is an adult female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) slapping the surface of the ocean with her fluke. She reacted immediately when a person entered the water and tried to approach her and other members of her social unit. The whales were resting, and it was clear that they did not wish to be disturbed. Worse still, other people subsequently entered the water as well. Ecotourism has been a catchall term that connotes a positive activity, but interactions with wild animals like this need to be regulated with proper enforcement by knowledgeable people. Otherwise ecotourism can be a damaging activity, sacrificing the welfare of wildlife for the sake of profit.
Info