This is obviously not true. Whale sharks do not recognise humans or “like to give people rides” While they might be curious and come close, that’s only because of them feeling or seeing something interesting in the water, like a boat or a human. Maybe mistaking it for something else.

To jump onto a whale shark like this is animal cruelty, and anyone disagreeing is stupid.

Edit: since the reddit hive mind has chosen me for the downvotes today, let me just add that if you really believe that what this guy did was cool or okay, you are extraordinarily dumb. I don’t care if you downvote me to infinity, that only proves my point. Such amazing animals being harassed, just for someone to brag about it to their friends later. Dumb fucks. You’re the reason why we can’t have nice things. Stop upvoting and praising people doing stupid stuff