Hello and welcome to my inaugural blog post, where I'm excited to share the story behind the creation of this website.
Growing up, my family fostered my love for reading by providing me with a diverse array of books. Among my favorites were those oversized, realistic picture books showcasing the wonders of the ocean. It was within the pages of one such book that I first encountered the awe-inspiring whale shark. Its sheer size, coupled with its majestic and captivating appearance, left an indelible impression on me. It was also a plus that they were practically harmless to humans.
As I matured, my appreciation for all marine life grew, yet my fascination with whale sharks remained steadfast. Despite learning about numerous other creatures, my interest in these gentle giants never waned. Fast forward to a pivotal moment in my life: a family trip to Georgia to visit my uncle during Thanksgiving. It was during this trip that my mom took me to the Georgia Aquarium – the sole facility in the United States that houses whale sharks.
Stepping into the massive football field-sized tank was a transformative experience. As I stood in awe, gazing upon the graceful forms of the whale sharks gliding through the water, something inside me clicked. From that moment on, my love for these magnificent creatures only grew stronger.
Since that transformative experience, whale sharks have become an integral aspect of my identity. I am deeply passionate about advocating for their conservation efforts, eagerly sharing my knowledge with anyone who will listen. I will talk ad nauseum to people who say they are scared of sharks, and turn any class project about championing for their conservation. I have embarked on multiple trips to swim alongside them, each experience further solidifying their allure in my eyes.
Armed with a degree in biology, with a concentration in conservation, I felt compelled to take action to protect these endangered creatures. Hence, the creation of this website – a platform aimed at garnering mainstream support for their conservation. Because of the stigma of the word "shark" and fear mongering by the media, I worry that general audiences may not care, as well as the entertainment industry possibly overshadowing the importance of preserving these vital creatures.
Whale sharks play a crucial role in the ecosystem, yet they are often targeted for their meat or inadvertently ensnared in wide nets. It is imperative that we take action to ensure their survival for future generations to appreciate and cherish.
If you've made it this far, I thank you for your time and attention. I hope my genuine passion for these animals resonates with you and inspires you to join me in the fight to save them from extinction. Though my efforts may not yet extend to direct conservation work in the field, I am committed to doing my part to protect these magnificent creatures before it's too late.
Should you have any questions or wish to contribute to our cause, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for visiting the website and for your support.