A chilling incident unfolded at the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park in China’s Yunnan Province, where a 22-year-old Russian mermaid performer named Masha was attacked by a large fish during a routine performance. The horrifying encounter, captured on video, shows Masha gracefully navigating the aquarium tank amidst other aquatic creatures when a sizable fish, identified as a sturgeon, stealthily approaches and clamps its jaws around her head. Sturgeons, which can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, are known to occasionally exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans. The suddenness and ferocity of the attack shocked onlookers, many of whom were children.
Masha reacted quickly, wrenching herself free from the fish’s grip and swiftly ascending to the surface. The attack left her with injuries to her head, neck, and eye. Her nose clips and goggles were swallowed by the sturgeon. Following the ordeal, Masha experienced significant pain from her injuries. The incident’s aftermath was marked by an attempt by the aquarium management to suppress information about the attack. Masha was reportedly pressured to return to work shortly after the incident and offered a paltry sum of £78 as compensation for “moral damages,” with the condition that she remain silent about the ordeal.
Despite the aquarium’s efforts to downplay the incident, a video of the attack, filmed by a spectator, surfaced on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok. The video quickly gained traction, drawing attention to the alarming event and sparking discussions online. Some users commented humorously, attributing the attack to “conflicts between colleagues,” while others speculated that Masha might reconsider her career choice after the traumatic experience. The public dissemination of the video effectively thwarted the aquarium’s attempts to conceal the incident.
The Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park aquarium, known for its collection of native fish species from the Mekong and Yangtze Rivers, along with other rare amphibians, typically enjoys favorable reviews. Visitors often praise the aquarium for its cleanliness and the high standard of living conditions provided for the aquatic animals. However, the recent incident raises concerns about safety protocols and the potential risks involved in interactive performances within such environments.
Masha’s employers, aware of the damaging potential of the video circulating online, repeatedly contacted her, warning her against sharing it publicly. They clearly sought to protect the aquarium’s reputation and avoid negative publicity. However, their attempts to control the narrative proved unsuccessful, highlighting the power of social media in disseminating information and holding institutions accountable.
The incident at Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of animal encounters, even in controlled environments like aquariums. While such incidents are relatively rare, they underscore the importance of stringent safety measures and the need for transparency in handling such situations. The aquarium’s response, characterized by an attempt to silence the victim and downplay the severity of the incident, draws attention to the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of employees and the responsibility of institutions to prioritize safety and transparency. The public’s reaction, fueled by the viral video, demonstrates the growing demand for accountability and the increasing role of social media in shaping public perception and driving change.