The carcass of a baby shark was spotted lying on a beach in Tuen Mun Saturday afternoon—and was promptly thrown in the bin by a beachgoer.
Personnel from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) arrived at New Cafeteria Beach at around 3:45 pm upon receiving reports, according to a statement emailed to Coconuts.
The carcass of the 70 cm shark was retrieved from the bin and taken away by a representative of the Hong Kong Ocean Park Conservation Foundation.
According to Apple Daily, the creature was found by a shark prevention net on the beach, just meters away from where children and families were playing in the sand.
It is unclear if the shark was caught in the net or if it had just washed up next to it.
A clip filmed by the Apple Daily showed a man picking up the shark using a piece of plastic and tossing it into the bin.
Through pictures, marine ecologist Law Him-yan identified the creature as a bull shark, a dangerous shark species known for their aggression and tendency to dwell in shallow waters.
Read more: Whale shark spotted in Hong Kong waters (Video)
Baby bull sharks are not as vicious, Law noted, but said that beachgoers should not get close to one.
Sharks are not common in Hong Kong waters. Still, shark prevention nets are installed at public beaches across the city, and authorities advise against swimming alone or at night.
Last summer, the nearby Golden Beach was temporarily closed after lifeguards said they spotted a meter-long creature that resembled a shark.
Reader Interactions