In brief
A 10‑foot dusky shark, dubbed Bukangi, has become an accidental tourist attraction in Busan after slipping into a canal and resisting repeated rescue attempts. Rescuers spent eight hours guiding it back to the harbor with a net, but the shark has returned to the canal each time a barrier is breached. The incident highlights the growing presence of sharks in warm waters, the challenges of ensuring their welfare, and the impact of viral animal stories on local tourism. Thousands of fans gathered in crowds hours after the rescue, while experts argue that Bukangi’s health may be at risk from cold water and injuries. The episode underscores a unique human‑animal interaction in a rapidly warming coastal city.
A 10‑foot dusky shark, affectionately named Bukangi, has become an accidental tourist attraction in Busan after it slipped into a canal and has yet to return to open water.
On Wednesday, rescuers spent more than eight hours luring the shark into a harbor with a net in a livestreamed operation that drew crowds of onlookers and social media commentary. When authorities erected a barrier the following morning, Bukangi broke through and returned to the canal, refusing to swim out into the sea.
The three‑metre animal initially attracted over 1.6 million visitors during its brief stint, buoying local tourism and earning the city an unofficial mascot. Yet experts warn that Bukangi may have sustained injuries, as blood‑laden footage floated online, and that the cooler waters could jeopardise its recovery.
Authorities claim they have now reinforced the remaining net layer to stop the shark from re‑entering, but have also concluded the rescue operation, leaving fishermen, visitors and wildlife specialists uncertain of its future location.
Marine scientists cite the warming seas around Busan as a possible factor drawing sharks to inland waters, suggesting that incidents like Bukangi’s may become more common if temperatures rise further.
