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05-27-2013, 11:23 AM
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Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
36,499 posts, read 51,495,748 times
Reputation: 47818
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What an incredible video and experience! How fortunate they were to be in the right place at the right time and to be able to save such an incredible creature.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...type=2&theater |
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05-27-2013, 02:46 PM
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6,441 posts, read 5,042,472 times
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Awesome!  |
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05-27-2013, 02:49 PM
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14,483 posts, read 14,922,269 times
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I've talked to people who have risked their lives repeatedly to save humpback whales.
The most impressive story was about a guy in Nova Scotia who does this for months on end in the freezing Atlantic. He had one poor humpback where the nylon cord had actually cut into the blowhole. Which would be like tearing a nylon cord into one of you most sensitive orifices.
He cut it on both sides of the blowhole, but it left a piece embedded in the flesh. Knowing that it would get infected if left in there, he decided to trust the whale and reach his hand in and pull it out. As this procedure was no doubt painful for the whale, there was a good chance that he might close his blowhole, which would have enough force to break every bone in his hand. Also if the whale dove, he would only last for minutes in the freezing water before he either drowned or died of hypothermia.
Needless to say the humpback did not crush his hand. Frankly some of these maneuvers are unbelievable. I did talk to Roger Payne who was one of the first people to swim with whales in the early 1970's. The tale slaps would easily kill a man, but they don't seem afraid of people.
But don't get the idea that they are "gentle giants". You should watch a fight.
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05-27-2013, 03:11 PM
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6,441 posts, read 5,042,472 times
Reputation: 13564
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PacoMartin
I've talked to people who have risked their lives repeatedly to save humpback whales.
The most impressive story was about a guy in Nova Scotia who does this for months on end in the freezing Atlantic. He had one poor humpback where the nylon cord had actually cut into the blowhole. Which would be like tearing a nylon cord into one of you most sensitive orifices.
He cut it on both sides of the blowhole, but it left a piece embedded in the flesh. Knowing that it would get infected if left in there, he decided to trust the whale and reach his hand in and pull it out. As this procedure was no doubt painful for the whale, there was a good chance that he might close his blowhole, which would have enough force to break every bone in his hand. Also if the whale dove, he would only last for minutes in the freezing water before he either drowned or died of hypothermia.
Needless to say the humpback did not crush his hand. Frankly some of these maneuvers are unbelievable. I did talk to Roger Payne who was one of the first people to swim with whales in the early 1970's. The tale slaps would easily kill a man, but they don't seem afraid of people.
But don't get the idea that they are "gentle giants". You should watch a fight.
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The way they stay still and calm while humans help is always amazing to me. Their understanding of what is happening makes me think we are not the higher life form on earth. |
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05-27-2013, 09:10 PM
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Location: Chapel Hill, N.C.
36,499 posts, read 51,495,748 times
Reputation: 47818
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dallas Kitty
The way they stay still and calm while humans help is always amazing to me. Their understanding of what is happening makes me think we are not the higher life form on earth.
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Good point. |
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05-27-2013, 09:55 PM
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Location: Ontario, Canada
31,378 posts, read 18,547,238 times
Reputation: 13965
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I believe all creatures (except mosquitoes) are worthy of respect and awe. But certainly whales are among the most inspiring creatures imaginable.
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05-28-2013, 06:10 PM
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Location: Not where I want to be
24,507 posts, read 22,994,890 times
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What an awesome video, no! I shared it on my FB page too. Some people are just awesome themselves like that group of people. |
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06-09-2013, 09:35 AM
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4,886 posts, read 5,851,848 times
Reputation: 7420
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TroutDude
I believe all creatures (except mosquitoes) are worthy of respect and awe. But certainly whales are among the most inspiring creatures imaginable.
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^^^love your remark. What a beautiful story as well as what great things people are
willing and capable of doing. |
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