A beluga whale that some claim was trained by the Russian military, from which he allegedly defected, has been spotted hanging around in the seas outside Hammerfest, Norway, for a number of months.
The beluga has shown himself to be extraordinarily gregarious despite having a reputed background in clandestine operations.
Ask Jan-Olaf Johansen, please.
The other day, Johansen was walking near the Hammerfest waterfront when he spotted the beluga engaging in some fascinating (and quite adorable) behavior.
Evidently, a random seagull on the surface of the water had piqued the whale’s interest — and he seemed determined to befriend her.
“He kept trying to play with the seagull,” Johansen told The Dodo. “What surprised me is how gentle he was. It was very special to see.”
Here’s video of that remarkable moment:
Unfortunately, the seagull didn’t seem to want to return the whale’s kind approaches, seeming more irritated at his persistence than threatened by his proximity. But eventually, it appeared that she had had enough.
The bird flew off after not being injured, according to Johansen.
Some people have been worried about the beluga’s ability to care for himself since he first appeared, supposing that he had been educated by humans. But according to Johansen, who occasionally meets the whale, he appeared to be in good health and to be enjoying himself.
Johansen observed that “He appears really healthy.” And quite playful.
0 Comments