Andy, a tiger shark tagged by NSU researchers in Bermuda, is gaining a new kind of following. Since 2014, scientists at the Guy Harvey Research Institute have been tracking Andy’s path — making him the longest tracked tiger shark on record. With all these travels under his belt, it only makes sense that he’d want to share his adventures with the world.
Followers of Andy’s Instagram, @tigersharktravels, have fallen in love with his picturesque underwater photography of Bahamian beaches and scenic sunsets in Turks and Caicos — all taken by the shark himself.
“He takes, edits and posts every single picture on his feed,” said Mack O’Relle, Andy’s agent since his big media breakout in 2015. “He’s truly talented — to assume that someone else is doing all this work for him is ridiculous and false.”
All his effort has won Andy the title of “Most Followed Travel Account of 2017” on Instagram With over a million followers across all social media platforms, like Twitter, Tumblr and Sharkspace, it’s easy to see why the tiger shark has rightfully received this crown. Travel websites like Bite Flights, Chumcations and Carnivore Cruises have even reported heightened sales on package deals after Andy travels to a new location, and economies in these countries are booming.
“His Instagram is just really inspiring,” said 23 year-old Rick Tides, a recent college graduate. “He’s the reason my buddies and I decided to quit our jobs, buy a boat and live off our savings accounts to travel the world.”
On top of his iconic travels, his photography skills are getting comments from professionals worldwide. Because Andy is a shark, he’s able to dive to depths most human photographers can’t. His captivating snaps include glowing algae, translucent fish and mysterious creatures. He’s even been credited with the discovery of the Silver Nova Eel on one of his recent expeditions.
Others are praising him for his unique artistic eye. The vibrant colors, glossy landscapes and roaring waves featured in his images are certainly reason for envy.
“He’s got such an amazing eye for aesthetic,” said tween Angel Fiesch. “I know he must use VSCO cam — maybe like A6 or C1? I’m also pretty sure he uses, like, FaceTune for some of his selfies — but I’m not accusing him of anything, of course. His feed is just such goals, honestly.”
Andy’s travels are far from over. He promised he’d be travelling somewhere “big” in the next coming weeks. Be sure to follow @tigersharktravels if you want to keep up with Andy’s amazing adventure.
