Being gentle to the giants

Every year on August 30, ocean enthusiasts come together to draw attention to whale sharks and advocate for their conservation. These gentle giants have been around for more than 240 million years, but the first specimen was discovered off the coast of South Africa in the 1820s. As the world's largest fish, whale sharks can grow up to 12 metres, with one reaching a record 18.8 metre. Found in tropical oceans around the world, these filter feeders glide through the water, mouth wide open, straining plankton and small fish. Each pattern on their dotted, starry skin is as unique as a human fingerprint.
© Andy Lerner/Tandem Stills + Motion