Luca Türk
Day 81, entry 1, 16/05/2024 – 05:58
I could barely sleep last night. So much information had to be written down. Seeing a group of 86 whale sharks was incredible, even if it was only through a drone camera.
Just about an hour from now, I’ll get to travel to the coast to dive down and meet a lone specimen.
I’ve never been so excited about swimming in the waters of sharks. I’m the luckiest woman alive. I’ll be back later today to write down my experience.
But until I get back, I won’t be able to add new information to my logs.
It’s time for breakfast, I’ll have to keep my excitement for later.
Day 81, entry 2, 16/05/2024 – 17:48
I swam with sharks earlier today.
More specifically, the rhincodon type, more commonly called whale sharks.
They are the largest known shark species so far. Their main food sources are planktons.
I’ve been studying these magnificent animals for 80 days so far, yet I still have so much to learn. Having been invited to Australia just to see these beasts was such an honor. It was something I have never dared to dream of.
I’ve only been a marine biologist for 5 years and spent over a year studying these sharks. I could only dream about meeting one face to face … up until this day.
At exactly 2 p.m. sharp, I got introduced to a large female specimen named Isla by my fellow researchers.
Isla is estimated to be about 45 years old. Swimming with this big girl was absolutely magical, even if it was slightly scary. Would you find swimming with a fish the size of a school bus to be comforting?
My heart dropped as she was swimming towards me as fast as I’ve never seen. To my surprise – and consolation – she was gentle, I could even touch her.
Now I just have to make a log of my studies.
Day 81, entry 3, 16/05/2024 – 21:09
I’ve just finished my log on what I’ve found out and learned of Isla. Tomorrow, I’ll be able to see her again and hopefully manage to get her closer to the surface. Maybe I could draw her blood to make sure she wasn’t sick and to check if she was gravid, since it is mating season.
She hasn’t had a pup in 7 years but we’re very hopeful here in the lab.
I only have 19 more days here in Australia to study them. So much, yet so little time. I am glad, though, because in 4 months, my next scientific trip will take me to the Philippines to study a new group of whale sharks.
Until then, wish me luck for tomorrow and let a new adventure begin.
Good night!