Drone Captures Aerial Footage Of Whale Shark And Manta Ray Feeding Frenzy

<p><a class="checked-link" href="http://vimeo.com/103356311">Tom Gruber/Vimeo</a></p>
<p><a class="checked-link" href="http://vimeo.com/103356311">Tom Gruber/Vimeo</a></p>

Swimming with whale sharks and manta rays is surely a mind-blowing experience. But seeing them from a drone's-eye-view may be just as incredible. These stunning images, captured off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, show snorkelers weaving among the animals - an incredible mural of ocean denizens.

(Tom Gruber/Vimeo)

At least half a dozen whale sharks were seen - an unusual sight, considering the animals are usually seen alone. But when there are large concentrations of plankton, whale sharks will flock together - and tourists will flock to observe the biggest fishes in the world.(Tom Gruber/Vimeo)

Despite their beauty, whale sharks aren't simply appreciated in the wild - they are in danger. They are valued for their meat, fins and oil, and also fall victim to entanglement in fishing nets. See this page for more information on whale sharks and how to help this vulnerable species.

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