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Not exactly lifting it. Maybe trying to protect or even trying to lead it away? Not sure if the mother is familiar with the phenomenon of whale watching tourists or not. Either way, people shouldn't go out into the ocean and touch wild animals. I hope they don't transfer an illness to mother or calf. Observe, sure, but let wild animals remain wild.
I thought it was interesting that the people were being encouraged to touch it. And it sounds like those encouragements were coming from a tour guide or somebody in charge. That is kind of sad especially in light of the recent story about the dolphin who died after being handled and held up by tourists for pictures.
I am sure it must be exciting to touch a whale in the wild, but that is way too close for me. I'd be scared to have a whale with a new baby inches from me in a skimpy boat.
I'm not sure I understand the shrieking and the neediness exhibited by the humans. Why this compelling need to touch a wild animal? I'd much rather watch them in their natural habitat. Cripes, everyone needs to feel special.
Clearly the whales were happy to participate - otherwise they'd have just swum away. However, given how many whales are injured by watercraft, it's not a behavior that should be encouraged.
I'll be the first to admit I would want to touch it, pet it, love on it, and yes......kiss it's fat snout.
If I ever experienced anything like that, I would die of happiness, right on the spot.
I would also love to reach out and touch it, but I wouldn't because of what the others said.
First)
you never know what kind of germs people have that could contaminate their skin and make them ill,
Second)
one flip of that mother's tail if she feels her baby is in danger, and that boat is flying skyward.
You'd think the tour operator would have enough brains to tell everyone to keep calm and quiet, and just watch instead of touching.
That shrieking woman needs a slap upside of her head.
I had concern for all involved also. What an experience! And yes, dangers for all involved.
The short paragraph under the picture said that the whale often comes to the boat so apparently she hasn't found it an unpleasant experience.
This video was taken in Belize and they do things a little differently there than in the States. But they are becoming more environmentally conscious and eventually we'll reach a point where no one will be allowed to walk in the wild, "disturb" the animals, climb the rocks, wade in the rivers or go anywhere near the ruins.
Then we can all sit home and watch it on our computers.
I'll be the first to admit I would want to touch it, pet it, love on it, and yes......kiss it's fat snout.
If I ever experienced anything like that, I would die of happiness, right on the spot.
I know we shouldn't encourage it but the temptation when the baby is right there - is irresistible.
I would also probably die of happiness.
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