Palau’s Jellyfish Lake Is Filled With Photogenic Invertebrates
While swimming in a jellyfish-riddled lake may not be on top of your bucket list, Jellyfish Lake in Koror, Palau, near the the Philippines, will surely make you reconsider.
The jellies who reside in Jellyfish Lake aren’t exactly what you’d expect. Scientists believe that, around 12,000 years ago, the lake was cut off from the Pacific Ocean, leaving the creatures stranded and separate from dangerous predators. This separation sparked an evolutionary change: No longer needing to defend themselves, the critters lost their venomous and painful sting.
The product of Mother Nature’s handiwork is truly incredible, resulting in an impossibly pretty swimming spot for visitors. The lake is said to have once been home to more than a million jellies that don’t much seem to mind swimming alongside human guests.
According to National Geographic, the jellyfish population has dwindled in recent years but, thankfully, scientists have strategised a long-term plan to keep our blubbery buddies around. The lake’s been closed to the public on a temporary basis to allow the jellyfish some much-needed respite after a 2016 drought, but will likely reopen when its population restabilises.
So, if you’ve ever been keen to swim with 500-million-year-old deceptively kind prehistoric beauties while soaking up the stunning surrounds, you can, all while skipping the trip to the emergency department.
The lake is located on the desolate rock island of Koror, in Palau, close to the Philippines, and boasts a tranquil tropical climate with incredible coastal views to match.
(Lead image: denAsuncioner / Flickr)
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