Stunning—and controversial—footage has surfaced from the Persian Gulf near Abadan, showing a local man leaping from a boat onto the back of a whale shark.

In the viral clip, the individual can be seen dancing and riding the massive creature as onlookers cheered from the boat. The incident took place close to offshore oil rigs, adding to the dramatic backdrop.

While the video has generated amusement online, marine experts warn that such behavior is dangerous and harmful. Whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, are generally harmless to humans but are classified as a vulnerable species. Conservation groups stress that interfering with them can cause stress or injury and may also put people at risk.

Authorities in the region have not yet commented on whether any investigation will follow, but the footage has sparked debate over wildlife protection and human interaction with marine species.