A recent incident at SeaWorld San Diego has garnered attention after a video showed a guest drinking from a bat ray touch pool. This unsettling behavior was recorded and shared widely on social media, sparking reactions from disgusted onlookers.
The footage posted on Reddit by u/pittNPatter captured the individual, seemingly unfazed by the startled reactions of other theme park guests, cupping his hands to drink from the enclosure that houses marine life:
Umm?? I don’t even know.
Commenters expressed horror at the spectacle, with some suggesting the man might have been pretending to drink for social media notoriety. Unfortunately, the video’s owner clarified that the act appeared genuine: “He was doing it for a bit before I took the video.”
The SeaWorld San Diego guest also confirmed that the person wearing black and laughing as the man drank from the tank accompanied him to the theme park, suggesting that they encouraged his unruly behavior.
Health Risks and Implications
The man’s actions not only posed immediate dangers to his health but also bore implications for the well-being of the marine creatures within the tank.
Ingesting salt water can lead to dehydration, digestive distress, and more severe health complications, as the high salt content is harmful to the human body. Furthermore, the pool likely houses chemical contaminants, animal waste, and other bacteria.
Commenters voiced concerns that the guest might face severe repercussions later in the day, including gastrointestinal reactions due to the salt content and potential contaminants ingested during this reckless act.
“Depending on the tank, he is gonna get massive diarrhea later today,” one Redditor wrote.
The shared ecosystems within these exhibits are delicate. Contaminating the water with foreign substances, including human saliva or other mouth bacteria, can pose a threat to the health of the resident rays.
Interactions between theme park guests and animals must be approached responsibly to safeguard both parties’ health. SeaWorld San Diego urges guests to wash their hands before using the touch pool.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen another theme park guest do? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments.