A bit fishy? Parakai Springs claims baby shark ended up in pool

A fishy photo of a baby shark swimming in a Parakai Springs pool has emerged online with many wondering if the tale is true. Photo / Parakai Springs Facebook

A fishy photo of a baby shark swimming in a Parakai Springs pool has emerged online with many wondering if the tale of how it got there is true.

Parakai Springs, located near Helensville, has shared a photo of the shark on social media, claiming that it ended up there due to a flash flood from a river.

Small issue early this morning but happy to say we are now open as normal :) #babysharkdododo #parakaisprings #flashflood

Posted by Parakai Springs on Thursday, 29 August 2019

"A small issue in the outdoor pool early this morning due to a flash flood in the Kaipara river but happy to say we are now open as normal and our little friend is back home safely," they posted on their Instagram.

However, Parakai Springs Operations Manager Mark Dennis has revealed to the Herald the tale was indeed a hoax.

"Unfortunately or fortunately it is a photoshopped image we received and thought it would make a great start to a fun urban myth," he said.

"The adjacent Kaipara River which is tidal and part of the Kaipara harbour is known to have lots of sharks in it so it could happen one day if there was a large flood in the area.

"We also thought it would be nice to spin a positive shark story for a change as they do get an unfair reputation for being bitey but they deserve our love, respect and protection, the same as all our local wildlife."

Many Kiwis online were puzzled by the photo, with some questioning if it was real or photoshopped.

"Is this real?? If so he's lucky he got washed into a pool," one person wrote.

"Maybe it's a publicity stunt?", another commented.

Others pointed out that a shark wouldn't survive in chlorinated water.

According to fishing experts, the bottom line is never allow fish in chlorinated swimming pools because they cannot survive and will be dead within minutes.

Some saw the lighter side of the photo, sharing jokes about the baby shark.

"A new water feature?", one joked.

Another wrote: "Is that a baby shark do do do do dadoo doo?", referencing lyrics to the popular song Baby Shark.

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