First baby whale shark found in Philippines

A baby whale shark has been found in waters off the eastern Philippines, raising hopes that the world's first breeding ground for the creature may have been discovered, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature.

The whale shark, measuring just 38 centimetres, was found in shallow water off Donsol in the Philippine province of Sorsogon.

Local fishermen had tied a line to its tail and anchored it on a local beach so it would not escape. Whale sharks, which can grow up to 12.2 metres long are the largest fish on the planet.

Donsol is known for its large adult whale shark population but it is not known to be a breeding ground, Elson Aca of the WWF said in a statement.

After it was examined by biologists the whale shark was taken to deep water and released.

In spite of all the research being done worldwide on whale sharks, to this date no one knows where they breed or give birth, the statement said.