Chungungo, the new rock star of social media: “I’m always looking for stories, topics and memes to inform and educate about the sea and her resources”
Inspired by the Chilean marine otter, SERNAPESCA’s official mascot has become a real influencer, thanks to his charisma and major ability to educate in a fun way about caring for marine life. He says that he’s a lover of geek culture, cosplay, and is close friends with Forestín.
With a computer installed in each of Chile’s small fishing villages, Chungungo has become one of the most followed and loved mascots on social media. This Chilean marine otter is the official face of the National Fishing Service (SERNAPESCA), and, in his own particular way, he has achieved such fame that he doesn’t think twice about describing his reputation: “I feel like an influencer of the sea.”
Changui, as his friends like to call him, was about to lose his job to a shark; however, his charisma pulled him through and he kept the position. And so it is that this water-loving mammal educates in a fun way about the care that we must show for marine life. And his hand doesn’t tremble when he has to slap the wrist of anyone who doesn’t respect it.
When discussing what he likes, he says that he’s a lover of geek culture, cosplay and seafood, that his mom is jealous of his photo with Chayanne, and that he is close friends with Forestín. Below, he tells us how his passion for defending marine life was born, and discusses the importance of his educational work and, above all, the role that SERNAPESCA plays in caring for the sea and her resources.
- Changui, when and how did the idea evolve of getting out of the water and grabbing your smartphone to write about caring for your fellow sea creatures?
- Well, my story begins in Tongoy, when some fishermen and women found me sick. They called SERNAPESCA, who took me to a wildlife rescue center to be checked over, cared for and then returned to the sea. When I was discharged, I wasn’t really that enthusiastic about going back, even though my friends at SERNAPESCA who came to get me encouraged me by saying that they were taking me to a “marine reserve”, a special protected place. On the way, they explained the role of SERNAPESCA in making sure that the rules for caring for the sea are respected. I had no idea about everything that they do! Upon arrival, I left the transportation cage; but I felt in my heart that I could do something, that I had a unique opportunity to be a voice explaining to humans the importance of caring for the ocean and her hydrobiological resources. That was when I quickly returned to the truck, and the official who took me offered me a vacancy that I accepted ipso facto. And the rest is history.
- And how have you adjusted to the fame that you have acquired on social media?
- Calmly. I’ve always thought of myself as a humble servant who is constantly learning. Every day, I’m learning something new, whether about public service, SERNAPESCA or hydrobiological resources. That’s why I’m always looking for stories, topics and memes to inform and educate about the sea and her resources, and the importance of looking after them.
- What is your favorite place on the Chilean coastline to go on vacation?
- Chile, with its enormous and privileged coastal strip, becomes an experience in itself. That’s why I go wherever I am invited. I would love to travel and get to know it completely hahaha, but I don’t always have time, so I make the most of sightseeing when I can in my free time. My favorite will always be the Isla Choros-Damas Marine Reserve… anyone who has had the opportunity to go there will know what I’m talking about. It is located in the Coquimbo Region and, in addition to several of my chungungo relatives living there, you can also see bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and the country’s most important Humboldt penguin colony. Whenever I go, I always take the opportunity to educate tourists about the importance of respecting distance when looking at marine life and leaving no trace of garbage, because in the end it’s our home and nobody likes it when people come and dirty their home.
- Talking about free time, because obviously it can’t be all work, we see you a lot on social media celebrating days related to rock, geek culture and anime. What are your hobbies and how did you get to know about them?
- I was completely ignorant. My music was the song of the seagulls and the sound of the waves. But my colleagues at SERNAPESCA have guided me in this new human world and have passed on their tastes and knowledge. I like rock and metal; I also watch a lot of anime and a few popular series. Now with this TikTok thing, I’m getting in tune with the songs and dances that are fashionable. When I go to give talks in schools, sometimes I show them my forbidden dance moves hahaha.
- We always see you with a lot of fans under 10. How well do children behave in terms of caring for marine life?
- We should listen to them more. In my talks in schools during Sea Month, my “Chungungo on Tour,” I realized that children are the most aware of sea pollution, of why we have to take care of the sea and why we must act as soon as possible. I think that everyone should follow their example, because they’re the ones who are most familiar with practices such as recycling or caring for water. Children are great agents of change…
- But Chungungo, let’s get to the point and be honest: How do Chileans in general behave in terms of caring for marine life? We have seen a few stubborn people who don’t respect the distances that must be kept with marine life.
- There’s a lot of ignorance, first about the existence of SERNAPESCA and its role in these cases, but also about protected marine species, sighting distances, what to do if I find a marine animal, and many other things. Therefore, to understand all this and more, you have to follow me and SERNAPESCA in social media, because we teach you absolutely everything. You can also help us and teach your relatives, friends and people from your neighborhood… even your boss! The more people who know (and the more who follow us too hahaha), the better. We want outreach and knowledge to reach everyone!
- So, if we see an injured marine animal, what steps should we take?
- First of all, remain calm. Secondly, call SERNAPESCA at 800 320 032 or contact us on social media. And thirdly, my sacred rule of the three NOs: do not approach, do not feed, and do not disturb. This is how we can avoid sources of unnecessary stress, risk of diseases and endangering the integrity of both animals and humans. We also ask that you don’t take your own initiative and try to return them to the sea. We have had cases of cetaceans that, while being handled, have had their spiracle (upper hole through which they breathe) covered when they have been turned over and have drowned. We also recommend protecting them from pets, especially dogs or feral domestic animals that could attack or harass them unnecessarily.
- What happens to the animals when you manage to rehabilitate them from their wounds? How do you manage to reinsert them so that they remain close to their family?
- Once they have recovered and are discharged, an appropriate release site is located. In the case of sea lions and penguins, they are ideally left near colonies of their own species to facilitate their reintegration. Turtles are taken north, where there are warmer waters. This is regardless of where they recover. For example, today we have two cases of turtles recovering in Rancagua Safari Park and, although their rehabilitation will take months, it is most likely that they will be released in northern Chile.
- What do you do with shellfish and fish that have been seized? I assume you don’t eat them…
- No, my friend. We don’t touch them, because they are evidence for the court. Now, their final destination is complicated and is looked at on a case-by-case basis, because everything depends on what is said by the judge hearing the case and the health authorities. So, they can be sent to be destroyed when their sanitary conditions cannot be proven (where they were extracted, if the cold chain was respected, etc.), and the health authority instructs that they should be sent to landfill. Another option is to leave the seized resource in the possession of the offender by order of the court, when logistical problems (for example, oversized shipments) dictate that it is not possible to retain them. Then the resources are sealed under the power of the offender, who is responsible for the shipment until there is a court resolution. And the best option of all is donating them. When they have been checked and proven fit for consumption by the health authority, following approval from the judge, then we can donate the seized resources to one or more charities, such as homes for minors or the elderly or animal rescue centers.
- It is also important to clarify that you are not in charge of looking after every animal out there.
- I would love to be a superhero for all of them, but it is not possible, my friend. Firstly, we look after all protected marine life, meaning sea turtles, sea lions, seals, otters, cetaceans and penguins. And I want to clarify that the only seabirds we look out for are penguins, because #funnyfact, their wings are not really wings, but fins that have modified feathers. Also, don’t be alarmed if we don’t go out to all rescues, because sea lions and penguins come out to rest or sunbathe to regulate their body temperature; or, for example, elephant seals – you remember my friend Trompito from Caldera – come to the coast to shed their skin. Therefore, not all of them need help; hence the importance of maintaining safe sighting distances.
- I have heard that you and Forestín have become very good friends.
- Forestín and I are friends because we both care about nature. Both the seas and the forests are the planet’s lungs and, in both places, we have a tremendous task of ensuring their biodiversity and the sustainable use of their resources. Although we have met up at various events, we haven’t gone out to party together, because I’m a chungungo with a den, and I prefer to stay in bed watching anime while I pick at a crab. The thing is, SpyXFamily is really good, and I can’t miss it.
- What message would you send to your faithful chungungo fans?
- Like always, I want to thank you for the love you show me, not only on social media, but also when you see me on the street. It really fills up my little otter heart. I also want to invite you to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @chungungoSNP (I haven’t really paid much attention to TikTok, but things are starting to happen, as the kids say). But don’t just give me likes; also retweet and share so that the community grows and we are more and more people who are aware of taking care of the sea and its resources. Ah and of course! The call to protect the seas, rivers and lakes from pollution. When you go out for a walk or play sports, take your garbage with you and leave no trace. Be very careful with face masks too; they have become enemies of many of our marine animals.