Tourists criticized for taking baby shark from ocean for photo op: 'Let's keep our hands off'

While vacationing at St. Pete Beach, Florida, a TikTok user picked up a small hammerhead shark from the water to record a video. The young shark writhed in her hands as nearby voices cheered, sparking widespread anger online over the mistreatment of wildlife for social media content.

The post drew over 550 comments, most expressing frustration. One user wrote: "Leave them in the water. Why does everyone have to remove an animal from its home for views?" They suggested the clip would have been better if the shark had been left swimming naturally.

Videos showing tourists crossing boundaries with wild animals for online attention are increasingly common. Even brief handling can stress young sharks, interfere with feeding, and potentially be fatal.

Similar backlash occurred after tourists in California ignored guidelines while interacting with a sea lion for selfies. Across U.S. national parks, ignoring safety and wildlife rules is becoming a major concern. Such interactions not only endanger animals but can also put humans at risk, as aggressive responses from stressed wildlife may lead to euthanasia to prevent future incidents.

The United Nations Environment Programme has highlighted that rising ocean temperatures and pollution threaten marine ecosystems, and human actions can worsen these risks. While ecotourism can support conservation and local economies, it requires genuine respect for animals and their habitats.

Comments on the TikTok clip emphasized that curiosity should not replace care. Protecting wildlife and choosing eco-conscious travel helps keep beaches and marine life safe. One marine scientist explained: "This is a juvenile bonnethead shark, critically endangered. Only trained researchers should handle them." Another added: "How about we dont touch and leave it alone."

Author: Sophia Brooks