Cristina Zenato: Ocean Hero and Shark Whisperer
Cristina Zenato isn’t just a shark diver; she’s an Ocean Hero. Her life’s work revolves around changing the way people view sharks, turning fear into understanding and awe.
Born in Italy, Cristina’s love for the ocean grew in the rainforests of the African Congo, where she spent her early years. Coming from a family deeply connected to the sea, she developed a lifelong passion for water. A childhood dream to dive with sharks eventually led her to the Bahamas—a place where that dream could come true. She arrived as a curious traveler and stayed to build a career and life centered around the creatures she loved.
A Unique Bond with Sharks
Cristina’s relationship with sharks goes beyond what most people imagine. Mentored by “Uncle Ben,” a self-taught marine biologist, she quickly formed a deep connection with Caribbean reef sharks. Cristina is often described as having a natural gift for understanding them—some say she even “speaks shark.”
Her work involves a specialized technique to induce a state of relaxation in sharks, called tonic immobility. By massaging the front of their snouts, Cristina calms these apex predators, allowing them to rest their heads in her lap. This is more than a skill; it’s a relationship built on over two decades of trust.
Her ability to work with several types of shark in this manner has allowed her to study sharks up close with no stress for the animals. She was the initiator of a campaign that resulted in the complete protection for all species of sharks in the entire Bahama.
Through her tour company, she invites others to witness this incredible interaction, offering liveaboard trips where participants dive alongside sharks and experience their gentle nature firsthand.
Tonic Immobility: What It Is and Why It Matters
Tonic immobility is a natural reflex in sharks, often compared to a trance. By gently flipping a shark onto its back or stimulating sensory pores called the Ampullae of Lorenzini, scientists and conservationists like Cristina can temporarily lull them into a relaxed state. This allows researchers to handle sharks safely for tagging or collecting data without causing stress.
Cristina’s approach, however, is unique. Unlike researchers who flip sharks, she induces this state through touch, showing a level of trust and connection that’s rare in the animal world. Her method isn’t just revolutionary; it also provides a window into the misunderstood behavior of these incredible creatures.
As she puts it, “The interaction I have with the Caribbean reef shark is possible because they’re known as a sleeper shark. They tend to relax on the ocean floor on their own accord.”
Removing Hooks and Healing Sharks
One of Cristina’s most impactful contributions is removing fishing hooks from sharks. During her dives, she often encounters sharks with hooks embedded in their mouths, throats, or even gills. These hooks, a painful reminder of human activity, can severely harm the animals if left untreated.
Using her unique bond with the sharks, Cristina carefully removes the hooks—sometimes needing multiple dives to succeed. Over the years, she has collected a box full of these hooks, which she uses to raise awareness about the challenges sharks face. Her efforts not only alleviate the sharks’ pain but also highlight their vulnerability.
In the Bahamas, where fishing for sharks has been banned since 2011, Cristina’s work underscores the importance of protecting these animals. The ban made the country a sanctuary for sharks, recognizing their value to marine ecosystems and the economy.
Sharks: Guardians of the Ocean
Cristina’s passion extends to changing how people perceive sharks. For many, the word “shark” conjures fear, thanks to decades of sensational media. But Cristina sees sharks as the ocean’s guardians. They maintain balance by preying on weak or dead fish, helping reefs stay healthy and vibrant. Without sharks, ecosystems suffer—something she’s witnessed firsthand in areas where they’re absent.
Through her storytelling and firsthand experiences, Cristina paints a different picture. Sharks are as varied as birds, from the tiny dwarf lanternshark to the massive, plankton-eating whale shark. Each species plays a unique role in the ocean’s health, and their protection is vital for the planet.
Conservation Across the Globe
Cristina’s work goes far beyond the Bahamas. She has dived with bull sharks in Fiji, great whites in South Africa, and whale sharks in her adopted home. Wherever she goes, she collaborates with local experts, supports research, and advocates for shark conservation.
Her efforts to combat shark finning—a practice that kills millions of sharks annually—are particularly notable. By educating communities in areas with high shark fin consumption, she’s helped raise awareness about the devastating impact of this industry.
Teaching and Inspiring the Next Generation
Cristina believes education is key to conservation. Through her Shark Specialty Course, she teaches divers about shark behavior, conservation, and ecology. These divers, in turn, become “shark ambassadors,” sharing their experiences and spreading awareness.
Her nonprofit, People of the Water, takes this mission further. Founded in 2019, it focuses on exploration, education, and conservation. Cristina works with local schools, introducing Bahamian youth to marine careers and inspiring them to protect their natural heritage. Many of her students have gone on to become conservationists, dive professionals, and environmental advocates.
Mapping the Unknown: Exploring Bahamian Caves
Cristina’s passion for the ocean doesn’t stop with sharks. She’s also a cave explorer, mapping underwater systems in the Bahamas. Her work has been crucial in identifying areas for marine protection. By volunteering with the Bahamas National Trust, she has helped secure safeguards for delicate ecosystems connected to these caves.
Her current projects include exploring extensions of Ben’s Cave and documenting the Old Freetown cave system, which faces threats from nearby development. Using satellite data, she and her team have also pinpointed dozens of potential sites for future exploration, all tied to the health of mangroves, reefs, and marine life.
Shark Tourism: A Win for Conservation
In the Bahamas, shark tourism is a major draw—and a big reason sharks are protected. Divers from around the world come to swim with these incredible animals, contributing to the local economy while learning about their importance. Cristina’s tours offer a unique blend of education and adventure, leaving guests with unforgettable memories and a newfound respect for sharks.
Recognitions and Legacy
Cristina’s work has earned her global recognition. From awards for conservation to her role as a mentor and educator, her influence is far-reaching. She inspires countless individuals to see sharks—and the ocean—as something worth protecting.
Her philosophy is simple yet profound:
“I believe we are all what I call star-throwers, in reference to the story of the star-thrower. We may not be able to save the world, but I do believe we can make a world of difference for an individual or for a creature we take care of.”
Crisitina Zenato
Final Thoughts
Cristina Zenato’s life is a testament to what one person can achieve with passion, dedication, and love for the natural world. Through her work with sharks, her exploration of caves, and her efforts to educate others, she has left an indelible mark on marine conservation. For Cristina, it’s about more than just protecting sharks—it’s about inspiring others to see the beauty and importance of the ocean, one dive at a time.