HONOLULU (KHON2) — In an amazing representation of what Kaimana Ocean Safari owner Kayleigh Grant called “nature’s natural process”, a Tiger Shark and Sea Turtle (Honu) go head-to-head.
The shark on the hunt for food; the turtle on the run of its life.
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Kayleigh Grant took her boat tour of about six people out on their regular route when suddenly, about a half-mile off Kealakekua Bay, a shark was seen repeatedly ramming into the honu.
The honu made its best efforts to fight off the shark by attempting to turn its shell towards its predator.
“And it works pretty well,” said Grant on the turtle’s defenses. “Tiger sharks are made to hunt sea turtles, though; and, so, they have really sharp, serrated, strong teeth that are good for getting through that shell.”
Grant also added that this is all part of nature. This interaction is the natural course of life and interfering could affect the ecosystem entirely.
“Although you may feel bad for the turtle, it’s best to just let nature run its course and do what it’s supposed to do to keep the ecosystem functioning properly.”
The entire encounter lasted about 10 minutes before both creatures dove deeper down into the ocean.
It’s unclear who came out on top, but it was a sight to see indeed. Grant said although she has seen something similar at least two times before, she felt luckily to witness it once again.
Sea turtles are an endangered species, and both green and hawksbill turtles are indigenous to Hawaii.
There are around 4,000 nesting turtles in Hawaii with about 96% of them utilizing a single atoll known as the French Frigate Shoals which is located in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.
During the week of Oct. 4, Sandy Beach, located on Oahu, was discovered to be a location for nesting sea turtles.
There was a collective effort to ensure that the hatchlings on Sandy Beach made their way into the Pacific Ocean.
