Posted on 07/19/2011 9:55:58 AM PDT by Nachum
A humpback whale which was freed from almost certain death by three men off the coast of California repaid the favour to its rescuers with a breathtaking display of breaches and dives.
The amazing hour-long performance was caught on camera moments after the creature was cut free from fishing nets.
When the boat came across the whale it was trapped with its tail and flippers hopelessly entangled in the nets.
Scroll down to watch video
The whale watchers first thought the humpback was already dead as it was floating on top of the water.
But then it let out a loud breath through its blow hole.
Michael Fishbach decided the best thing to do was to get into the water and snorkel alongside the stricken whale.
He said: 'As I swam alongside the animal our eyes met.
'There were no words we could share but I wanted to let the whale know that we were there to help.
'It took some effort to stay focused given the great emotion of the moment.
'The sight of this large and beautiful creature trapped and so close to death was almost overwhelming.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
*sniff-sniff*
Seems like the screen got all watery for a couple minutes.
Joyful whale.
Thanks for posting this.
Pics are amazing, tho :)
I “scrolled down” as well and could not find the video but as you pointed out the pics are amazing!
Mr. Fishback throws back a very, very big one.
Excuse me but this has all the markings of a made up story. The co-founder of the Great Whale Conservancy (GWC) Blue Whale Protection Program comes across a almost dead whale caught in a fishing net, spends one hour freeing the whale and THEN the almost dead whale spends the next hour jumping for joy. I thought the whale was almost dead, where did it get the energy? I waiting for the co-founder of the Great Whale Conservancy (GWC) Blue Whale Protection Program to demand a fish net outlawing. That will be the real test of the ‘story’...........
Anthropomorphism........
A big problem in our society. Leads to bad policy decisions.
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lol....ok.
Nice video but, wow - it’s difficult to keep watching because the narration is soooooo bad.
Bumperootus.
I have no question the whale was grateful, since we can see gratitude even in dogs and horses who are helped when in serious trouble. What a lovely story. How wonderful that these people were able to help, and bravely did so at their own risk. I’m not sure the whale was putting on a show with the understanding that the humans would appreciate it, but it was certainly doing a happy dance. Fantastic story—thanks for posting it. Made my day.
I agree with you. Sounds like sneaky advertising to me, trying to drum up donations. Whale is probably an old showman released from Marineland, knows how to give ‘em a show, like Mr. Bowfinjangles.
That’s what I thought too.
I've seen people crawl across the finish line at marathons who look like they are near death. Others have to help them to their feet. Two minutes later they are laughing and joking with friends and running in place.
Yes, he speaks as though his audience is 3rd graders.
bump
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