Residents of Yangpu Peninsula, in south China’s Hainan Province, had a very close encounter with a marine giant on Wednesday. Police received calls reporting the sighting of a “stranded whale,” with locals hoping authorities would rescue the giant creature. /VCG Photo

After arriving on scene, experts from the local Ocean and Fisheries Administration identified the marine animal as a six-meter-long whale shark and confirmed it was dead. / VCG Photo

Whale sharks are a vulnerable species and protected by China's law, according to China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA). / VCG Photo

Thanks to the care by the local people, the body of the creature was properly handled and well preserved. /VCG Photo

The 450-kilogram fish was transported to Hainan's provincial museum and, after a preservation process, it will be showcased to the public for educational purposes. /VCG Photo