life Changing DayScuba diving provides the opportunity to experience wildlife in their own habitat, and to see things you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. To ensure the safety of the person, each diver is given special equipment in which he has to attend and pass a course to prove that they are aware of how to use it safely and correctly. A compressed air is contained in a tank that a diver will carry on their backs while diving. Diving is done for a number of reasons including recreationally as well as professionally. Dive equipment has been designed to enable a diver to go as deep as 140 feet under the water. Those that dive has a strong connection to what lies beneath the surface of the water and this is one unusual encounter between human and mammal.
Life Changing Day
life Changing DayGary Grayson, an avid diver, was excited for his day ahead. Little did he know, this particular dive would be one he would never forget. Although what lies beneath the surface of the water is unknown, he was not expecting to see an unfamiliar animal.
Almost all professional divers will be fully aware as to what each dive site has in store for them. Mostly, they are likely to see different types of coral, fish, and various other underwater animals. Gary was hoping to encounter some wildlife, but he and his dive buddies were flabbergasted when a couple of seals appeared out of nowhere.
An Unexpected Guest
If you have ever been diving before then you will know that the first rule you must follow is that you are not to disturb the wildlife in their natural habitat, so when the seals approached, the divers tried to remain calm. Seals are known for being inquisitive but also can be aggressive to humans they haven’t seen before.
Due to this, Gary was not sure how to act. It was important that he did not panic so that he could continue to use his oxygen tank correctly and within the time he allowed himself.
Don’t Move
The divers wanted to take their cameras out so that they could capture the animals as they got closer, but they soon stopped when it appeared as though the seals were trying to communicate with each other. They couldn’t believe their eyes. Of course, no two dives are ever the same and you never know what you might be able to capture at the bottom of the water.
As Gary was the scheduled videographer, one of his buddies soon took on the role. One of the seals took a liking to Gary and it became clear that he wanted to interact with him. As one of the other divers took control of the filming, they were able to get some incredible footage.
Just Pups
Just PupsAs the seals began to move in closer to the team of divers, they realized that they were in fact only babies. The divers ensured that they were as still as possible, using their skills to float under the water. The seals started to circle the divers.
They were inquisitive and wanted to figure out these strange two-legged creatures who had just appeared in their underwater habitat. Everyone was overcome by an immediate trepidation. They hadn’t experienced this before on a dive, and they were avid divers.
Curious Animals
They say that seals are closely similar to dogs and it is for certain that with their loving eyes and cute whiskers, they possess a similar inquisitiveness that most friendly dogs have.
Although many have made such comments, the seals’ behavior was still a surprise to Gary and his friends and each of them wondered what the seals were doing. The seals continued to circle and move closer to the divers. But what would happen next?
A Close Encounter
Gary was surprised that the seals were getting so close to him. Traditionally, wild seals were very cautious and not the easiest animals to get on your side. He was totally dumbfounded that the underwater pups appeared to want to get as close as possible to the divers.
Luckily, his friend would get the entire chance encounter for them to watch over and over again, as well as the rest of the world.
Making Contact
With that, the seals began to nudge and touch Gary. Soon, one of the seals was playfully nibbling at his gloved hand. What’s more, this was only a sign of what he had in store.
At first, Gary didn’t know how to handle the situation. Divers who come into contact with seals, usually must swim with the seals for several days in order to gain their trust. Only then is it safe for them to get so close to humans, so this was definitely a risky situation.
A Sign Of Aggression
In Gary’s case, the animals wouldn’t leave him alone and it was evident that they were trying to play fight with him. It was an incredibly lucky encounter! In many other cases, a seal getting this close as fast as it did, would definitely be a sign of aggression. On land, seals are adorable yet clumsy creatures.
However, in the water, they swim gracefully. They can swim at high speeds, but are known to turn at any moment so you have to be careful. After they’re born, seals spend about 4 months with their mothers before going out on their own. Perhaps this sweet little guy was simply looking for a new friend when he approached Gary.
A Curious Creature
A Curious CreatureThe pups curiosity got the better of him and it swam directly up to Gary and peered into his dive mask. Nudging his head against Gary’s diving equipment, it appeared as if the seal was trying to work out what it all was. He swirled around Gary in the most playful manner, gently rubbing his body against the tools.
As Gary stretched out his hand, the seal matched the reach and the two continued to interact with each other. Gary was over the moon and could barely believe what he was apart of.
Getting Attached
Getting AttachedThe little seal was starting to get attached to Gary and it was evident that he was getting very over excited. After all, he was only a few months old. The seal swam in circles around the divers, meandering in between each of them, but always showing Gary a little more affection than the others.
This kind of experience is something that doesn’t happen all the time divers and the crew knew that this would be close to many divers dreams.
A Remarkable Handshake
A Remarkable HandshakeThe seal continued to move in an out of the group, growing more and more comfortable with Gary. Finally, the seal seemed to want to make the meeting official and it placed its flipper on top of Gary’s hand as if to shake it!
This was a key moment for everyone involved. The seal now showed that he was comfortable with Gary and he simply couldn’t swim away now.
Waiting For Its Turn
Waiting For Its TurnThere was a second seal circling the group, too. It began to come in and nibble at Gary’s legs, just as the seal was doing to his hands. Once the second seal had understood the situation was safe, he wanted in on the action too.
Gary would later comment, saying, “I was aware there were multiple seals in the water. They were buzzing in and out of their circle but I was too busy focusing on the friendly little guy who was nibbling at my gloves.”
An Experienced Diver
An Experienced DiverGary was an experienced diver, but even he would admit that he’d never experienced anything like this, nor did he think he would do. The video captured the second seal swimming in close, obviously trying to join his companion and new friend.
As much as the second seal wanted to play. A relationship has begun to form for Gary and his special friend. Soon Gary would find himself surrounded by loving seals.
More Dog Behavior
More Dog BehaviorPlaying around, they bumped each other’s noses and Gary could not believe it when the animal rolled over on its back, just like a dog. So there was nothing more Gary could do, just like he would a dog, Gary started scratching the seal on its belly.
After a few minutes of belly rubbing, Gary stopped. But the seal was not finished, and it decided to continue patting Gary’s hand with its flipper in excitement.[/caption]
Having A Great Time
Having A Great TimeThe baby seal was so excited by the interaction he was receiving from Gary. It was a new experience for both of them. Of course, for Gary, he knew what the seal was and he was curious to know as to what the seal thought he was.
The bond that the two had could have been misunderstood as a relationship that Gary had been working on for years. The camera pictured it perfectly, and it is so cute to see them both smiling and offering each other affection.
Always Gentle
Always GentleEvery so often, the seal would move in and give Gary’s gloved hand a gentle nibble. Seals have very sharp teeth that are actually capable of puncturing wetsuits and gloves. However, it never bit him hard enough, it just wanted to play.
Amazing Experience
Gary was having the best time and he was overjoyed that it was all caught on camera. After the encounter, Gary and his diving buddy soon watched the footage back and knew that they had to share it with other divers. They posted the video online nad within a short amount of time it became a sensation.
As we know, the internet is a powerful tool and in a short amount of time, the video had been viewed over 15 million times.
An Adventurer
Gary was no stranger to adventure, he had been sky-diving and was a thrill seeker who was constantly looking for his next extreme activity.
However, this was his favorite moment to date, and he doesn’t think he will ever top it. So what did he have to say on the matter?
Life Experience
For years, Gary has commented about how life changing his experience with the seal was for him. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and what made it so much more special was how organic it was.
He explained, “It made me happy to be alive and although I already did, somehow I appreciate nature and wildlife so much more.”
Never Gets Old
He has told his story many times over, and he still loves to watch the video of his special day and we don’t blame him. Gary has commented several times that all of his friends are probably bored to death by now with his retelling of the encounter with the friendly seal.
Not The Norm
The most incredible part of this story is that seals don’t usually act this way when they first meet humans, so this video proves that you just never know when it comes to the wild life and how they will act with a human being.
There was something between the two of them, that cannot be described. A beautiful moment that Gary will cherish forever.
Dire Situation
There are many species of seals that are on the endangered list. Stories like Gary’s can help bring awareness to this sad and disappointing situation. Gary’s video shows just how loving and friendly the animals can be, and why we as humans must do all we can to protect them.
We hope to see many more videos of its kind to raise awareness about the future of our waters and the wildlife who feel the brunt of our pollution and mistreatment of the planet.
More Sea Pups
More Sea PupsIt’s clear that the seal Gary encountered lived up to the animal’s reputation as a lovable sea puppy. We’re certain that divers all over the world would like to share a similar experience, we included.
Focusing on environmental responsibility and animal wellness will ensure that everyone continues to get those opportunities in the future. We hope to have the loving seals with us for years and years to come.
