Stranded Busan shark faces possible death within two weeks, expert warns
A three-metre shark named Bukang-i, stuck in a Busan canal for over a month, may survive only another two weeks, according to a marine specialist.
Since September 18, a three-metre dusky shark dubbed Bukang-i has been confined to a canal at Busan's North Port Waterfront Park, repeatedly hitting the canal wall and displaying a whitened, possibly damaged right pectoral fin. Marine biologist Choi Yoon, an emeritus professor at Kunsan National University, warned that the shark has likely been without food for the whole month and is depleting its energy reserves. The National Institute of Fisheries Science, which has been monitoring the animal, reports no evidence of feeding.
Authorities tried to coax the shark back to sea on September 29 with boats and water jets, and again on October 2 using a large net, but the shark returned to the canal each time. As the water grows colder and the shark weakens, officials anticipate announcing an additional rescue effort within the week.
Why it matters
The shark's deteriorating condition highlights challenges of wildlife rescue in urban waterways.
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