A man who tried to body slam an orca whale by throwing himself off a boat into the sea has been slapped with a fine.
The 50-year-old has been given a £290 infringement penalty after the “shocking and stupid” prank.
A video of the incident was shared to Instagram and immediately reported to the Department of Conservation (DoC).
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It was filmed off the coast of Devonport, in New Zealand, as reported by Need To Know.
In the clip, the man can be seen jumping off a boat into the sea near two orca whales.
The DoC shared the video with the caption: “A man who leapt from a boat into the water near two orca has been slapped with a $600 (£288) infringement. The incident showed a shocking and stupid attitude to protected marine mammals.
“The video shared to Instagram in February, shows the man jump from a boat into the sea off the coast of Devonport – in what appears to be a deliberate effort to touch or “body slam” the orca.
“The man showed reckless disregard for his own safety – and that of the adult male orca with a calf swimming near the vessel.
“We were subsequently tipped off to this video by a member of the public. We would like to thank those who continue to alert us to potential breaches of New Zealand’s wildlife laws.”
Users flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many people left enraged.
Jayson said: “$600 is that all. Should be in prison.”
Prana commented: “Is deliberate harm to wildlife insufficient reason to confiscate their boat?”
Someone else wrote: “If I was on a boat and someone did this I’d be tempted to start the engine and leave.”
Jade added: “What the F is wrong with some people.”
Conor said: “$600 is embarrassing! Lock him up. Tragic that a 50 year old man thinks this is a funny thing to do.”
Tim commented: “The amount of disrespect I can’t handle.”
Holly wrote: “I know Orca don’t bother humans but…this one deserved a little nibble.”
William said: “Shameful and appalling from that person.”
DoC principal investigation officer Hayden Loper urged social media users to continue alerting the DoC to content they believe breaches legislation protecting New Zealand wildlife.
The end of the post reads: “Anyone who sees an incident they believe may breach conservation legislation can call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).”
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