Brazilian Ex-President Allegedly “Harassed” a Humpback Whale

Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, is under investigation, this time for an unusual environmental offense—alleged harassment of a humpback whale during a jetski excursion on vacation. The incident reportedly took place off Brazil’s south-eastern coastline near São Sebastião in June and has sparked federal police interest.

Bolsonaro, infamous for his anti-environmental policies during his four-year presidency, earned the moniker “Captain Chainsaw” due to his role in the escalating destruction of the Amazon. This latest accusation suggests a potential violation of Brazilian legislation that prohibits the deliberate harassment of cetaceans, including humpback whales.

Reports indicate that a man resembling Bolsonaro was filmed approximately 15 meters from a surfaced humpback whale, allegedly capturing the distressed behavior of the marine mammal on a mobile phone. Brazilian laws enforced by the environmental agency Ibama dictate that vessels must maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from such animals, and seafarers are prohibited from chasing or disturbing dolphins or whales.

Interestingly, another right-wing politician recently faced a fine of 2,500 reais for a similar offense in the same region. Bolsonaro himself has a history of environmental infractions, having been fined over a decade ago for illegal fishing within a marine reserve off the Rio de Janeiro coastline.

Since losing the presidency, Bolsonaro has become the subject of numerous investigations into alleged crimes, ranging from plotting a coup against his successor to misappropriating expensive jewels and faking Covid vaccination records. With a ban on seeking election until 2030, some speculate that Bolsonaro may face imprisonment.

In response to the humpback whale inquiry, Bolsonaro dismissed the allegations as political persecution, a sentiment he has echoed in response to other investigations. Addressing supporters, he downplayed the situation, making a disparaging remark about Brazil’s justice minister, Flávio Dino, whom he likened to a whale.

Supporters of Bolsonaro took to social media to mock the aquatic allegations, with some suggesting humorously that the humpback whale must have been a fan of the former president, stopping him for a selfie.

As the investigation unfolds, Bolsonaro’s environmental conduct continues to be a source of controversy, adding another layer to the complex legal challenges he faces in the post-presidential era.

Sign this petition to save endangered whales!

Speak Up Tee By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• Humpback Whale Rescued from 300 Pound Crab Pot in Alaska
• Another Washed-Up Dead Humpback Whale Prompts Environmentalists to Call for Full Investigation into Offshore Wind Projects
• Fran the Beloved 50-Foot Humpback Whale Found Washed Up Dead on Beach in California After Being Struck by Ship
• Rescuers Spend 4 Hours Freeing Humpback Whale From Fishing Net
• Bolsonaro Cuts Environmental Budget After Climate Summit

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!