JEMBRANA, Bali — An eight-metre whale shark was found dead after washing ashore at Pengeragoan Beach in Jembrana, Bali, on Saturday (Sept. 12, 2026), and was later buried following a veterinary examination and necropsy.
The male whale shark was first spotted by a local resident at around 5 a.m., according to the Jembrana Police. Police and relevant agencies were subsequently alerted and went to the site to assist with the handling of the animal.
Following examination, the animal was confirmed to be a male whale shark (Rhincodon typus), measuring approximately eight metres in length, 3.5 metres in width, with a body circumference of 4.8 metres and a mouth measuring 2.15 metres across.
Veterinarians from the Indonesian Animal Network (Jaringan Satwa Indonesia/JSI), together with relevant agencies, conducted a necropsy to collect biological data and examine conditions related to the animal’s death.
Pekutatan Police Chief Kompol Benyamin Nikijuluw said officers coordinated with the Marine and Air Police Unit and other agencies after receiving the report.
“As soon as we received information from the public, we immediately coordinated with the Marine and Air Police Unit and relevant agencies to handle the situation at the site,” Benyamin said.
The whale shark’s carcass was later removed using an excavator and buried at a designated location.
Jembrana Police Marine and Air Police Unit Chief AKP I Putu Suparta said the handling process was carried out with safety and conservation considerations.
“Our focus was to ensure the area remained safe, the examination was carried out properly, and the carcass was handled appropriately without causing any impact on the surrounding community or environment,” Suparta said.
The examination, evacuation and burial process was completed at around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Police said the response involved several agencies and organisations, including the BBRBLPP Gondol, JSI Banyuwedang in Singaraja, BPSPL Jembrana, the military and local residents.
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