July 25th 2024.
There's always something interesting to be found in London's River Thames, from unusual animal sightings to historical artifacts like the Waterloo Helmet. But this week, a new discovery has caught the attention of fans online - a shark swimming in the city's river.
The video, shared on TikTok by user @charlottewebbb, has already been viewed over 1.2 million times. In the clip, a fin can be seen gliding through the water near Hammersmith Bridge, with the caption "Shark spotted in the Thames 22.07.24." Of course, many viewers couldn't resist making comparisons to the popular Netflix movie, "Under Paris."
Some people were left baffled by the sighting, with user @jmd_100x wondering if it was a warning similar to the movie. Others, like @char_tanner.x and @maze_ruunner_girly, admitted they had the same thought. "Under Paris" is a recent film about a giant shark terrorizing the French capital, and it seems to have sparked some anxiety among viewers.
But for those who aren't convinced that this is a real shark sighting, think again. A recent study conducted on the river found that sharks, seahorses, oysters, and seals are all living in the Thames. And as pointed out in the caption by @charlottewebbb, it's likely a tope shark - a critically endangered species that can grow up to six feet in length.
Despite the rarity of this sighting, it's not completely outlandish. According to research, these sharks are highly migratory and can travel great distances. In fact, one tope shark that was tagged in Scotland was later found in Sicily five years later. And it turns out, there are actually several species of sharks living in the Thames, including the tope, starry smooth hound, and spurdog.
While some may be fearful of these ancient creatures, the London Wildlife Trust assures that they pose no threat to humans. In fact, they play a vital role in our marine ecosystems and are facing severe threats from exploitation. The Port of London Authority also confirms that the Thames is home to a diverse range of aquatic life, including occasional visits from dolphins, porpoises, and even whales.
So, while it may seem surprising to see a shark swimming in the Thames, it's not impossible. And who knows, maybe we'll see more of them in the future. But for now, we can satisfy our curiosity by watching "Under Paris," which is currently streaming on Netflix. And if you have any interesting stories or sightings to share, the entertainment team at The Agency would love to hear from you. So don't hesitate to reach out and share your experiences with us.
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