Santa Claus joins sharks for a holiday swim at a Rio de Janeiro aquarium


By AGENCY

Biologist Felippe Luna, dressed as Santa Claus, greets a child through the glass while swimming among fishes at the AquaRio aquarium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil December 21, 2024. — REUTERS/Lucas Landau

Santa Claus has arrived in Rio de Janeiro - under water.

Starting on Saturday, he has been spotted at AquaRio Marine Aquarium swimming with sharks during their daily fish feeding sessions as part of the city’s Christmas festivities.

Nine-year-old Guilherme Martins Matos said he’d seen Santa - or at least an impersonator - at the mall. That was cool, he said, but this was better.

"Imagine him under water feeding the fish? It’s even cooler,” Guilherme told The Associated Press.

This version of Santa Claus is Felippe Luna, 39, a senior animal handler at AquaRio. What began as a joke among staff has become an annual tradition.

Dressed as Santa, Luna dives into the aquarium’s 924,602-gallon tank to feed marine animals, including sharks. "For the kids, seeing Santa Claus under water is already incredible. And Santa feeding a shark by hand? That’s unforgettable,” Luna said. — AP

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Christmas , Santa Claus

Next In People

Singapore-based songstress Matilde G unveils 'Baddie Con Un Cuore' – a bold anthem of empowerment and vulnerability
'It's all about life' as local hip-hop-reggae stars Luca Sickta, Kmy Kmo and Salammusik goes high tempo with 'Ke Mana Ni' under Sony Music
'Malaysian Idol' Jaclyn Victor’s star is shining brighter than ever
Chef Edward Lee on his 'Culinary Class Wars' journey and reconnecting with Korea
Vietnamese monk’s barefoot pilgrimage to India captivates millions
Husband of late Barbie ‘Big S’ Hsu vows to protect children from ‘the wicked’
Malaysia's Tamil movie fans gives Indian superstar Ajith's ‘Vidaamuyarchi’ an incredible roaring start
Malaysian cancer survivor finds new meaning in life through pressed flower art
Get ready for 'Ejen Ali 2' with local music legend M. Nasir's 'Hanya Kamu' as its OST; original 'Ejen Ali' re-released on Thursday (Feb 6)
Ops Sky: MACC to summon three celebrities for questioning

Others Also Read