Like giant goldfish, these massive whale sharks don't mind being fed hand to mouth by their fishermen friends.
Photographed near Oslob in the Philippines, the groundbreaking images show close relationship previously not thought possible.
Captured by conservationist Shawn Heinrichs, the once-in-a-lifetime behaviour of the half dozen whale sharks up to 25ft long and the 12 or so fishermen draws gasps of disbelief from casual observers.
The food-based friendship centres around the brine shrimp the fishermen are catching and the trust between man and the world's largest fish is evident to see.
'In these images, we are witnessing a rare and exciting connection between fishermen and the greatest fish in the sea, the whale shark,' said 40-year- old Mr Heinrichs.
'Typically shy of one another, they have formed an unusual bond of appreciation, respect and trust. These ground-breaking images capture that story.'
Photographed near Oslob in the Philippines, the groundbreaking images show close relationship previously not thought possible.
Captured by conservationist Shawn Heinrichs, the once-in-a-lifetime behaviour of the half dozen whale sharks up to 25ft long and the 12 or so fishermen draws gasps of disbelief from casual observers.
The food-based friendship centres around the brine shrimp the fishermen are catching and the trust between man and the world's largest fish is evident to see.
'In these images, we are witnessing a rare and exciting connection between fishermen and the greatest fish in the sea, the whale shark,' said 40-year- old Mr Heinrichs.
'Typically shy of one another, they have formed an unusual bond of appreciation, respect and trust. These ground-breaking images capture that story.'
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