A viral mermaid performer who made headlines after being attacked by a massive fish is setting the record straight—insisting she wasn’t forced back into work following the terrifying incident. Instead, she says, she was rushed to the hospital immediately after her run-in with a sturgeon.
Mariia Zelenina Breaks Her Silence
Mariia Zelenina, a 22-year-old Russian performer based in China, works at the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park. She recently opened up to People about her near-disastrous encounter with a Chinese sturgeon, an incident that left her with injuries and global attention.
In a candid interview, Zelenina recounted the shocking moment when the large fish unexpectedly lunged at her during a performance. “I didn’t understand what was going on. I began to push her away and get out of her mouth,” she said, describing the sheer panic she felt. “When I surfaced, I realized that I didn’t have my glasses.”
Dispelling the Rumors
Following the incident, speculation swirled online, with many alleging that her employers forced her to continue working despite her injuries. However, Zelenina is shutting down those claims, emphasizing that her safety was prioritized. She insists that she was immediately taken to the hospital and was not pressured to resume her performances.
While she admits her supervisors preferred to keep the incident under wraps—since an attack like this is bad publicity for any aquarium—Zelenina makes it clear that she was never silenced or threatened. “They didn’t want the news to spread, but I haven’t been forced or coerced in any way,” she reassured.
Recovering from the Attack
Currently, Zelenina is taking time off to heal, as the injuries on her face prevent her from jumping back into the water. But despite the scary encounter, she remains in good spirits and is already looking forward to returning to work.
“I’m not afraid of the fish,” she says, choosing to handle the situation with humor rather than fear. While some might see her as a ‘poor unfortunate soul’ caught in an unexpected nightmare, Zelenina is confident she’ll soon be back performing ‘Under the Sea’ alongside her aquatic co-stars.
What’s Next for the Viral Mermaid?
As her story continues to spread, Zelenina remains unfazed by the buzz surrounding her ordeal. Whether she’s back in the water soon or taking time to fully recover, one thing is clear—this mermaid is ready to make a splash again, and she’s not letting one rogue sturgeon sink her dreams.
