Ocean Ramsey - The Shark Whisperer Making Waves
In today’s Community Spotlight, we're celebrating someone who's revolutionizing shark conservation!
Image credit: Ocean Ramsey via oceanramsey.org
So, we just finished watching this Netflix documentary called "Shark Whisperer" and wow - what an inspiring story. We had to share it with you all because this woman, Ocean Ramsey, is doing exactly what we're trying to do here with reptiles, just on a massive scale with some of the ocean's most misunderstood predators. Plus, Dad and Grandma have always had a real fascination over sharks, not as up close and personal as what Ocean Ramsay does, but they always bonded over Shark Week!
The Basics
Ocean grew up in Hawaii and had her first shark encounter when she was 14. Most people would've freaked out, right? But she was fascinated. Kind of like how some of us fell head-over-heels for our first gecko or snake when everyone else thought we were crazy?
Now she's this incredible force in shark conservation, and here's the amazing part - she literally swims with great whites. No cage. Just her, a wetsuit, and some of the most magnificent predators on the planet, showing the world how gentle and intelligent they really are.
That Game-Changing Moment
Back in 2019, she went viral for swimming next to this massive great white called "Deep Blue." We're talking 20 feet long - absolutely magnificent. The video was breathtaking and opened millions of eyes to see sharks as the graceful, intelligent creatures they are instead of the monsters Hollywood made them out to be.
Image credit: Red Bull Media House
The Amazing Work She's Doing
Ocean runs these incredible shark diving tours in Hawaii where regular people can safely experience sharks up close with expert guides. She's pioneered this brilliant research method where they photograph sharks to track them - way better than those painful tags that hurt the animals. Plus she helped get sharks legally protected in Hawaii, which is absolutely huge for conservation!
Her approach is genius - she knows people connect with visuals first, so she uses stunning underwater footage to capture hearts, then delivers the conservation message. It's working too - with millions of followers and real legislative wins.
Why Some People Don't Get It
Sure, there are critics in the traditional scientific community who think her hands-on approach is too bold. But here's the thing - while they're writing papers that maybe a few hundred people will read, Ocean is reaching millions and actually changing laws to protect sharks. With over 100 million sharks killed every year, we don't have time for the slow pace of traditional academia. Ocean gets that, and she's taking action now when it matters most.
Why We're Celebrating Her
Watching her story gets us so excited about our own mission in the animal world. We're always trying to show people that bearded dragons aren't mini dinosaurs waiting to attack, or that ball pythons are actually super gentle. Remember Dad once referred to snakes as “Nope Ropes”.
Ocean's doing the same thing with sharks, and she's proving it works. She's shown us that passionate advocates can make real change happen. Her genuine love for these animals shines through everything she does, and the results speak for themselves - legal protections, changed minds, and a whole generation growing up seeing sharks differently.
Our Take
We absolutely admire what Ocean's accomplished. She's taken one of the most feared animals on the planet and helped people see their true beauty and importance. That takes incredible courage and dedication. What really impresses us is how she's built a sustainable model - her tours fund research and conservation work while educating people. It's brilliant, and it's making a real difference.
Image credit: Ocean Ramsey via oceanramsey.org
About Ocean Ramsey
Ocean Ramsey is a marine biologist, conservationist, and free diver dedicated to protecting sharks and changing public perception of these misunderstood apex predators. Based in Hawaii, she co-founded One Ocean Diving with her husband Juan Oliphant, offering educational shark diving experiences that fund conservation efforts. Ocean holds degrees in behavioral sciences, psychology, and marine biology, and has spent over a decade swimming with sharks to demonstrate their gentle nature and intelligence.
Her viral encounters with massive great whites, including the famous "Deep Blue," have reached millions worldwide, shifting conversations from fear to fascination. Ocean's hands-on approach to conservation has contributed to legislative protections for sharks in Hawaii and inspired a new generation of ocean advocates.
Connect and Support Ocean's Mission
Website: oceanramsey.org
Instagram: @oceanramsey (2.6M+ followers!!!)
Facebook: Ocean Ramsey Shark Conservation & Diving
One Ocean Diving: oneoceandiving.com - Book educational shark diving experiences in Oahu.
Netflix Documentary: Watch "Shark Whisperer" to learn more about her conservation journey.
Support: Purchase her books, reef-safe products, or book a conservation-focused diving experience to directly fund shark protection efforts.
Ocean's work proves that education, respect, and direct action can create lasting change for our oceans. Just like our mission at Kiley's Kritters to help families love reptiles, Ocean shows us that changing hearts and minds is the first step toward protecting the animals we share this planet with.
Your Thoughts?
Have any of you seen the documentary? What did you think of Ocean's incredible work? Are there any other fearless animal advocates you follow who are making big changes?
We love hearing what you all think about these amazing conservation heroes! Check us out on social media or utilize the contact form to drop us a line!
The Kiley's Kritters Family
P.S. - If you want to see some underwater adventures closer to home, check out Kiley & Lizzie's Aquarium Adventure! No great whites involved, just one curious little girl and her gecko friend exploring the wonders of aquatic life! 🦎🐠
