Stumpy is a hulking fixture in seas around Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Western Australia. Photographed there often, he has a tranquil, inquisitive demeanor — despite his 10-ton heft.
Following the launch this month of Wild Me, a new social-media app, Stumpy is one of almost 5,000 whale sharks that can now be "friended" on Facebook.
Wild Me is designed to build closer ties between people and animals — initially whale sharks, polar bears and manta rays, but eventually many species, often vulnerable or endangered ones.