A famous dusky shark in South Korea continues to linger near a canal after rescue teams tried to guide it back to the open ocean.
A famous dusky shark named Bukangi remains near a canal in Busan, South Korea. Rescuers spent weeks trying to move the animal back to the ocean. The shark became a local celebrity after appearing in the waterway last month.
Next, rescue teams used nets to guide the ten-foot shark toward the open sea on Wednesday. This operation lasted for eight hours. Hundreds of fans gathered nearby to watch the event and cheer for the shark.
However, the shark returned to the canal on Thursday morning. It pushed through a barrier that officials installed to block its path. Workers then removed extra netting to free the animal from a tight space.
After that, officials strengthened the remaining barriers to keep the shark out. The shark now swims near the harbor entrance but keeps returning. Government workers have finished their official rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, experts believe warm water and many fish drew the shark into the canal. Rising sea temperatures could mean more shark visits for Busan in the future. The shark attracted over 1.6 million visitors during its stay.
Still, officials worried about the animal's health. Videos on social media show the shark with a bloodied snout. Some observers also noted that the shark looked thin and stopped eating.
Also, the public had mixed feelings about the shark's departure. Some fans held protest signs and called the shark a gift to the city. They feared the creature might die in the open sea.
Finally, other residents supported the move for the animal's safety. They argued that the shark needs a natural life in the ocean. Supporters hope the shark eventually finds its way back to the wild.