Some people pay good money to swim with whales and dolphins. It’s one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences that stays with you forever, and you often need guides, equipment and perfect timing to get it right. One man however, managed not only to find beluga whales, but to entice them into singing along with him.
He had an experience that marine life lovers around the world would be envious of.
Paul English, a Scottish journalist in Manitoba, Canada had a truly unique experience.
He’s likely to remember this incredible encounter for the rest of his life, as will the 7 million odd viewers of the video. He was out simply paddling on his kayak when he decided to start singing. He had heard that high pitched noises may attract beluga whales, so he cleared his pipes and let them have it.
Very soon he made some rather musical friends.
Without so much as dipping a foot in the water, several beluga whales begin appearing at the surface fo the water. Playfully, they nudge his boat and introduce themselves, while he continues to sing to them.
Many people would pay a lot of money for an experience as personal as this!
Unlike many commercial whale-watching or dolphin swimming experiences where the aim is to find the marine wildlife and approach it, these whales themselves have initiated the interaction. All our buddy had to do was sing a few (no offence, but not well sung!) notes and they came right up to him.
Throwing on a wetsuit, he decides it’s time to get a little closer.
Having gotten them to greet him on the surface, Paul reckons it’s time to meet them in their own territory. Equipped with a mask and snorkel, he prepares to enter their domain. The question is, will they still be as friendly?
Yes, they will!
Now in the water, Paul is able to sing to them…And they can sing back! In the water you can hear that in fact, the beluga whales are singing back to Paul with their own songs. As you can see, they are certainly not social distancing! These whales are next-level friendly.
It’s not just one friendly whale!
There are several beluga whales all circling Paul as they investigate him. To them he is clearly strange and interesting, some sort of bizarre yet friendly creature.
They share their song.
Given that their song is different to Paul’s they generously click and whistle at him. Beluga’s are often referred to as the “canaries of the sea” due to their bird-like chirps. When you hear them, you can’t help but agree!
This is the face of a man who’s had a life-changing experience.
Paul English will forever know what it’s like to make some genuine finned friends. With his personal and intimate encounter, it seems like rather than seeking out the whales, they sought him out instead. To them, a strange new friend came into their backyard, and they were curious enough to befriend him. Not many people can say that.
Watch the full video below to witness this remarkable encounter.
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