Very few people would willingly put their hand in a shark’s mouth, but for Cristina Zenato, it’s a regular practice.
Videos by InspireMore
She’s a professional diver who has been swimming alongside the elegant fish for the past 25 years. Not only that, but she has also dedicated her life to educating others about the misunderstood creatures – and saving them from painful hooks.
It would be an understatement to call Cristina a “shark whisperer,” as she seems to bond with every one she encounters! Watching her interact with them is a magical experience, although sometimes it looks a bit scary.
Whenever she spots a shark with a hook stuck to their body, she does whatever she can to remove it – including putting her hand in their mouth!
While she’s fearless, she is careful. She always wears a chain mail suit so bites don’t hurt her.
The best part comes after Cristina finally frees the sharks from the snares. At first, they swim off, but many of them come back to “thank” her with sweet cuddle sessions!
So far, the brave diver has removed more than 300 hooks, all of which she displays in a single box. She said the image sends a powerful message.
“It shows the impact that not only we have on the ocean and its creatures in a small place, but it also shows how one person can make a difference with the decision to use personal talents, determination, and consistency,” she wrote on Instagram.
To save sharks we do not need to all be out there removing hooks, but each one of us can contribute with their skills to promote sharks and ocean conservation, [whether it] be through science, photography, policy-making, or teaching.
Many people have asked why she removes the hooks at all when there are so many. To the explorer, conservationist, and lover of sharks, the answer is simple.
“To many it may appear like a futile work,” she said. “To me, it is important to make a difference for each one I can.”
Thank you, Cristina, for showing the world that sharks are worth saving. Your relationship with them is inspiring!
See more of her underwater friends in the video below, and share this story to spread her important message.
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