Swimming With Wild Seals For 20 Years 🦭
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2021
- Ben has been diving with seals for the last 20 years. His interactions with them are so heartwarming!
Thanks to Ben for the incredible footage!
/ bburville
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Seems you've received a Seal of approval for your hospitality and kindness.
Oh, you! 😂🖤
Approval of seal leads to seal of approval.
You're barking!
love it!!
SHakes head.. no.. no bad stop.
Literally ... Underwater...Doggos
But much more friendly…
Yup.
They are sea bears 😂
Seals have mannerisms of a dog. Amazing.
Lmao!! Exactly what I was gonna say
I was on the same dive boat as Ben a couple of years ago in the Farne Islands, near Scotland. Soon as he jumped in the water, the seals came right up to him as if he was their owner and they missed him. They seemed to recognise him and were so comfortable around him. That got my hopes up, but when I got in the water the seals were curious but kept their distance for the most part. Goes to show they really do remember him (plus he's an experienced diver so doesn't scare off the seals like beginners do with jerky movements and lots of bubbles). He also volunteered to unclog the boat motor when it got jammed up with kelp. Thanks Ben!
From Brazil: Touching!
owner? typical humans and their superiority complex. maybe they just see each other as friends.
That’s incredible! I hope he sees your comment :)
I suspect that the seals were extremely sensitive in their reading of Ben and you, so that they could feel from him a certain vibe of safety and trustworthiness as well as caring. So they probably gravitated to him as someone they immediately felt was a human they wanted to interact with. As you suggest, the movements and subtle cues of someone less comfortable with them in the water could keep them feeling somewhat wary.
Yep...I noticed in the video one tiny instance where he moved his right hand a little quicker than normal and the seal coming up veered away, not in panic or anything, just in caution.
I'm a long time free diver and scuba diver/snorkeler and I learned very early on that if I move slow, steady and consistent all sorts of sea life will appear, from morays to nurse sharks hiding under a ledge and lobsters waving their long antennas at me.
The seals faces resembles that of puppies! So adorable . Just beautiful. It shows how wonderful our fellow creatures are..
😮❤❤❤
I call my dog a seal. He is dark. But has the cutest dark eyes and eye lashes.
"They seem to understand what's my equipment and what's me."
That's one of the most fascinating things I've noticed watching animal interaction videos. They seem to understand clothing and equipment. Animals seem to be more intelligent than we give them credit for.
I’m honestly shocked that people don’t realize that animals know what is alive or not 😅
They have all these senses for a reason: they aren’t rocks 😂😂
I hope you continue to learn about animals 👍 They’ll surprise you all day.
Yes ♥️ They're wonderful. We definitely underestimate animals.
@@PsychologicalApparition "I’m honestly shocked that people don’t realize that animals know what is alive or not"
Animals have no frame of reference for clothing nor equipment, so I don't think it's weird people are shocked when animals can tell the difference. Even smarter animals like dogs are complete morons. We've all seen footage of a "smart" dog trying to bring a stick through an entrance that is narrower than the stick, and the dog will just keep smacking into it.
@@jasondashney You’re talking about an animal which has been enslaved, domesticated and ultimately altered from the wild state. We confine dogs and feed them processed foods: of course they will not exist to the full will of their senses.
But The fact that you described an animal of our own environment whilst dismissing the entirety of the animal kingdom proves the ignorance I previously stated.
And to again, counteract the argument… Have you known humans??? Why do you think we put warning labels on everything? I can guarantee you that animals in the wild are a step above us in brains. They coexist with what gives them life: we destroy our future livelihoods… who is the smart one?
I'm thinking maybe they're really curious what he looks like without the mask and suit because they simply want to know what their new found friend really looks like. It's true, they are way more clever than we have given them credit for. But I also believe all of that is changing over time. Oh I just love them!!! 😂👍🏻
Watching two seals holding embracing one another like an old couple dancing to an oldie truly melted my heart.
like a young couple
That was a parent and child
"I only have eyes for you..."
Please sign and spread the Mari Ohara Petition. You can easily search it on this portal. Save the seals in Norway. They shoot them!!!
It’s always amazing to see an animal capable of incredible violence (grey seals are fantastic hunters) being so gentle. It shows thought and intelligence, proving yet again that animals are not stupid or killing machines. I love when sharks behave the same way. Great video.
Can't imagine why anyone could dislike something this warm and precious
That’s unbelievably beautiful. Like he said, “to have a wild animal holding your hand, looking in your eyes…”
I think time WOULD stop.
💯💯💯
It was a beautiful moment until he went full Dolly on the covid stuff.
@@dentontxflatearthguy2903 I thought that was cool that he spent his time running a vaccination center during peak COVID, it didn’t ruin the mood at all
A seal is just an underwater dog…. Same level of infinite cuteness!
They are not related to dogs they are very different a dog could never live in the ocean. Not sure how could mistake a seal for a dog but that's incorrect
@@Michael-ut6zbshe meant how both behave, not if the animals are related
he literally says in the video, that seals are mistaken as "sea dogs", they are more related to bears 5:57
Cuteness killed Bin Laden !
@@Michael-ut6zb woosh
I LOVE seals. Those warm eyes... So much love there. Thank you for the beautiful video.
The way this man speaks about his experience diving with seals is so beautiful. It sounds like a profound, spiritual experience.
The way the seals look at this man in his eyes.... You can tell they are content with his presence. I never thought I would need this but this video made my day.
This is one of those videos to go back to when you are having a rough day.
Omg. That made my day! 😢
I too prefer watching videos instead of living a real life
@@RespectAllGirlz oh shut up🤣
Same
Just beautiful. It shows how wonderful our fellow creatures are.
sea dogs :D
Not all "fellow creatures"! Try this with a wild Bengal or Siberian Tiger and see what happens. You will quickly find out how wonderful they are. 🤣
No, it shows how nuts people can be!
until an orca eats it
@@lebronjamesharden3958 Or a human, unfortunately.
They're literally sea puppers!
Not quite but i get the idea
These seals holding his hands and embracing one another...serms like they have so much sense. There is more to animals then we understand❣️🥹
Wow they are so affectionate! The interaction between the seal and doctor was as if they had known each other for a long time. This was endearing to watch, I had a smile on my face the whole time.
Same here.
The smile came naturally by feeling the love in their interaction.
I live with seal too in France, they are very very curious in particular when you fish ahahaha
spot on !! what you just said!
Don’t they have lovely eyes. What gentle souls. You stroke them and they stroke you back, that’s real kindness. They can obviously sense your energy. Thank you for this gorgeous video!
They do have lovely eyes, the si not have souls though
@@OlgaSmirnova1humans have no souls either
@@OlgaSmirnova1 who told u that a seal? 😂
@PurpleRain602 you are the kind of ignorant that haunts my nightmares. As if you have any idea what it means to have a soul, and even more laughable that you think you know who does and doesn't possess one. A smart person would deduce that since humans are animals just like every other creature on earth... if humans have souls, animals do too. I can only imagine you're 9 years old or developmentally disabled to make such an uninformed stupid comment. But ignorant attitudes like yours are what make most animal's lives on this planet a living hell. So for that, I hope you one day experience being regarded with just the same apathy that creates the cruelty animals endure.
Your video has literally moved my soul. It’s really amazing and moving.
I think my heart would explode with joy and the laughter of my soul would reverberate through time and space to the far ends of the universe.
Such intelligent and soulful beings. May they stay safe from us.
The way to keep them safe is to keep them wild and not "make friends" with them. This guy is doing a great disservice.
@@HashiAkitaPuppy lol, please.
@@HashiAkitaPuppy If you actually think that, then you must think everyone you know in real life is a massive piece of shit. Everyone. And you should be fixing them.
@@HashiAkitaPuppyI doubt he’s gonna make them domesticated
@@HashiAkitaPuppy you're doing everything you can to dissaprove humans, quite cringe of you
Looking at their eyes, and at the way they close their eyes when getting petted and rubbed, really does remind of us of dog behavior. What a great experience!
Yeah. Thats why a lot of people I know refer to them as "sea doggos" lol
apparently they were once related
@@paperstarsinglassjars They're still somewhat related. Both are in the Caniformia suborder - which includes canines (and dogs), bears, seals, mustelids and raccoons. So they're more closely related to dogs than they are to animals in the Feliformia suborder; like cats, hyenas, civets and mongooses.
@@SvendleBerriesthey are called seadogs in Dutch
@@Stierenkloot
Yeah, I like the literalism of the Dutch language. Aardappel (earth apple) for potato comes to mind.
That scene with the 2 seals together is mesmerizing
"Any interaction has to be 100% on their terms." It's great that he warns about wildlife and respecting their space.
And women, really
How beautiful. This really made my night!
I get visited yearly by hummingbirds. This year I forgot to replenish their liquid, and was told...in a very DIRECT way, by one as he hovered 3" from my nose for 7 or 8 seconds ....to fill it up NOW! Which I did. After I did this, he drank, and then came BACK to face me again....As if to say "Thank You!"
Blew my mind!!
Instead of saying thank you, he said “don’t make me remind you again next time human”
I'm sure that hummingbird WAS thanking you. Kindness is a universal language. 🙂
❤
Seeing the seal pet the doctor at the end was priceless.
Be a good boy
Giving him a good scratch.Very thoughtful of the seal😅
Thank you…that was so lovely!🩷
What a gorgeous clip. The reluctancy, the modesty and the wisdom. Lessons in life.
Surprise: mammals of the sea are just as curious and playful as mammals of the land.
lets start a petition to rename seals to "sea dogs"
@@EcoCentrist I second that. Although, what would dolphins be then?
@@iambiggus Dolphins are Sea Chimps. They *love* sex.
@@EcoCentrist in German, seal is Seehund, literally "sea dog".
@@tulenik71 😂😂😂
You could see that they are actually smiling and having fun by their facial expressions. So awesome and wholesome. 😊
don't anthropomorphise them
Yes, they look relaxed and comfortable... Complete trust.
@@artful1967 Body language exists, for all species, not a smile, but even with reptiles, one can see if they are stressed, or they know they can relax. We also underestimate how much animals respond to humans. For ex a trapped bird I was trying to extricate but it would not let me. It's heart was racing so fast, but as soon as I spoke softly, his heart immediately slowed down... We don't know animals, we are never taught... All we hear is we are smarter than they are...
No, you do not see that. Stop anthropomorphizing animals. Their faces do not work like ours.
@@tia904 You are correct, but it is not relevant to OP's comment, and the comment you're replying to is objecting to that comment.
This video literally gave me goose bumps. They are Sooo intelligent and thinking many thoughts simultaneously and this guy knows they could rip him to shreds in seconds but yet they are curiously playful and as gentle as can be. Truly amazing ❤
This film, so respectful and warm to the natural world around us, must be shared! It testifies that we are a small element of a Whole, that each living being is peaceful when we respect it, that an understanding between species can be revealed... This can serve as a lesson to us to live in peace and protect the Nature in its entirety. It's a wonderful testimony that you give us and I thank you very much.💗 💗💗💗💗💗
Yesterday I was trying to describe to my wife what it's like to dive with seals and today I found this video. Perfect timing. I've dived with seals in The Farnes, Calf Sound in Orkney, Loch Long and many other places and it's just magical. I once had a seal grabbing my fins on a night dive in Loch Long at around 30 Mtrs. and couldn't work out what was happening at first. Scary but fun.
Not timing but It's your electronic devices listen over your conversation 😉
@@ajinkyapose1619 how else would Alexa be answering if not listening constantly. At this point i just assume I’m being watched and listened 24/7 😂
@@jz4057 that's why I only said it is not timing.
This man is legend. Just what I needed today, great post. I swam with seal lions in the Galápagos Islands last month and it really was spectacular
May I know where did you go in the Galápagos Islands? Thats one of my dream destinations!
@@TheView123456 Santa Cruz, they have tours everywhere. I believe we did the Island 360 tour where we got to swim with sharks and Sea lions
@@WorldDoorStep Thats sounds wonderful! Thank you so much for your help :)
@@WorldDoorStep please give me a job that I can live luxuriously like that 😭
Are these leopard seals?
That hug is the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time 😢😢😢❤
Such a wonderful video. It’s a beautiful thing to see how inquisitive and affectionate the seals can be. Thanks for showing us your underwater life.
I've never seen anything like this in my life. I SCUBA and free dive. I've seen all kinds of underwater mammals but not like this! They LOVE YOU!! You can tell! The one letting you scratching his belly just melted me! 🥰The hand holding experience must just put you at the heart of our creator, ya know. A human connecting with a wild and very intelligent animal is ALWAYS a joy to watch. Thankyou for sharing this with me....well... with us. All of us!🤗
@@SusanKay-
Yes, that was true kindness from the seal. Just amazing.
“Whoa, look at this thing! Why is it covered in all this stuff? Hey… it’s got a kind of flipper. I wonder if it’ll hold my flipper- holy shit, it squeezed! I’m gonna squeeze back! This is so cool! Hey guys come look at the friendly land-thing! I wonder if I can get it to scratch my back…”
More beautifully and succinctly said.
The one that swam over him and was knocking on his head with its "knuckles" was the funniest one for me.
lol sucks to be you i guess
I love the human touch, affection, and interaction that the seals enjoy and crave.
I love this. The bond we share as humans with animals is so special and beautiful. This uplifts us all that we are interconnected.
This animal literally gives you a handshake underwater like "oh hey sir, how you doin?"
0:18 that's just the cutest underwater bear I've ever seen :)
dog
The seals faces resembles that of puppies! So adorable 💖🦭
Ben, this is one of the most personally rewarding and worthwhile hobbies and uses of time that a human being could do with their free time. Gorgeous sea friends.
The Seals love you because you are a WONDERFUL PERSON...
I’ve swam with seals once. It was the best experience in my life.
@@Sam-zj6mw it’s swam
@@Sam-zj6mw look up swam it’s past tense, a simple google search would show you
The seal headpatted you. Life goal achieved!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤no words only ..emotions, thank you special man ,this creature are incredibile incredibile
The animals always Know where are the pure feelings. ❤️❤️❤️
The last one looked like it was returning the favor, giving you a good scratch back 😀 Thank you for this lovely video!
I swear I saw a big smile on one of them when you were scratching them. Thank you for being a light in this dark world.
_"They seem to be able to tell the difference between what's my equipment and what's me"_
Seals. Have a word with my girlfriend for me.
Такие тёплые обнимашки. Спасибо, что дарите свою любовь этим милым тюленям.
God gave you the gift of harmony and wisdom in that moment a complete connection. You are blessed! I would do anything for that fleeting rare connection. 100% joy to your soul
That’s about the coolest vid I’ve ever seen. I had no idea seals 😮would squeeze your hand with its flipper. What an amazing world The Lord made. Be blessed everyone
THANKS GOD
1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, “ What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for this who love Him.”
NICE ONE
When you spoke about the hand squeeze being returned by the seal it really resonated with me. It must be a magical experience. I believe bottle nosed dolphins are very similar. I interacted with one in captivity, (obviously not the same), but I felt as though I could sense something between us. Felt great. Thanks for sharing this.
All animals should be free
you have been chosen as their friend..that must feel amazing to go into their world and give belly rubs..they are so beautiful
This has to be one of the best videos to ever be on TH-cam
He has the humility to learn from these animals and let them get to know them. Most humans do not have that yet. Thank you for this beautiful video.
Any kind of friendly interaction and understanding between a human and an animal is a true honour and blessing to the individual. It's quiet mind boggling that some religions and cultures are against this with even domesticated animals....and yet they have no problem eating them....or disrespecting them!.
I have stickers I bought off Etsy * Why love one& eat the other* pic of a dog & pig! Pigs are super smart, affectionate sentient creatures.. I'm an ex Catholic & they're the most vicious Jekyll & Hyde's of our Animal Planet! Egregious hypocrisy indeed
This gentleman's interactions with the seals warms my heart.
This is so incredibly wholesome ❤ seals, but really, ALL wild animals, are truly incredible and unique in their own special way. Animals are the best ❤
👍🏻
Priceless lesson for life:
1. Mindfulness is so important
2. Don't look back or ahead too much
3. Looking back can trigger depression 🔥
No wonder his 20 years interacting with seals is such a rich pool of experience. Very immersive and enlightening video.
Thanks a bunch for sharing your story!
As an open distance swimmer of lakes myself, I can testify indeed...time does really seem to stop while interacting with nature indeed.
Mindfulness is for idiots we all know it's just some another Hippie kind of shit. The only thing that can truly help us is the grace of God Almighty, nothing else.
The same sentences stood out to me too. Especially because I have experienced and still experience depression looking back to when my soul dog was alive and looking at the future without him. 😞
That was soothing to watch. I don't believe in an afterlife, but if there was one, living like that forever would be heaven.
That’s such a beautiful thought. You really can believe whatever you want for the afterlife. Enjoying eternity with happy sea pups. 😊😭🥹
You better have good diving equipment, and an ample supply of air and tanks.
God is real, I pray that you come to believe! It's all real!
@@johnrawlings6610 If god is real, then why do you have to pray that "we come to believe!" Wouldn't a god that is real be self-evident?
There is a big difference in believing and knowing. Personally, I used to believe in god, but over time, life, reasoning, and experience made me realized that there is almost certainly no such thing. People created god, not the other way around.
What is always so bothersome to me is that those of you who believe always feel compelled to proselytize. It's almost as though you are trying to convince yourselves, and that if you convince others, it bolsters your own belief. I think it bespeaks your and other believer's insecurity. And besides, I frankly get sick of it. If you want to believe, it's your business. But stop trying to convince and convert the rest of us.
@@lonzo61 Oh cry me a river you anti God unbeliever, or as we say here in America, why don't you mind your own business. I pray you find God and we don't pray to be saved, we pray for God to answer our prayers. If you believe in Jesus than you will be saved because he died for our sins, including yours unbeliever!
Well, he’s looking in your mask and he’s saying my goodness you look just like me because he sees his own reflection!😊
This video and the seals touched my soul.
You defined yet another adventure I hope to enjoy someday. Thank you for this breathtaking account of this beautiful sea animal.
This comment really looks different, How did you do that..?
@@OsshoDeembo They donated $5..which is why you see the green box with the money symbol at the beginning of the comment.
@@Nightbird.
Thank you bro ❤️
The seals are very gentle and playful. Thank you for the the video .
I'm not a regular diver but I'm an avid and professional boater. I'm 100% convinced seals are the Labradors of the ocean. They love to stick their nose up and say hello, turn off the engines and give them time and they'll come closer, they're clearly intelligent and very curious, they love to play. If I give one of them a snack chances are I'll see that exact seal again next time I'm that spot. Lovely animals. Everyone knows dolphins are smart but seals are pretty smart too.
What a gift to you from the seals. A moment that will never leave you or your soul.
Just another proof that every creature enjoys hugs and friendship 🙂💞
Lovely footage. The seals seem so curious and friendly. This is an experience I would like to add to my bucket list. "Chill underwater with seals"
Beautiful. Had similar experiences with sea creatures- Keep up the great work and educating the world
Awesome!!!
Thank you so much for sharing how special seals are and thank you for sharing your underwater magical world with us. You’re awesome! 🦭
Ben, that's a great video compilation. I'm a diver of nearly 40 years myself and have dived the Farnes several times. I've had a number of similar interactions with the Grey Seals there. I think I recognise one particular place - that fine sandy bottom with rocks rising on the side at 2:55 and 6:46 - western side of the Longstone? It truly is a magical experience and you summed it up well.
moreover curious they seem so affectionate amazing I was Kayaking and was asked not too approach they bite
I want to so bad. I brew up in Miami and we had an amazing boat. I get scared but as I get older I want to do it.
This guy is so lucky to have this pastime and experiences with these beautiful creatures - seals are one of those rare creatures that never lose their cuteness as they get older and to interact with them in this way seems like such a wonderful thing
To interact with these seals must be magical. Hugging, holding hands…falling in love. ❤
Humans would pet and play with any creature that's friendly to us. That's our untapped superpower
What intelligent, beautiful creatures! You are incredibly blessed to spend so much time with them. Animals fill up your soul there’s nothing like it.
@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?
What a wonderful video. Seals are amazing & a billion people need to see this video.
Gracias por protejer a éstos animales 🙏
It is really special your connection and relation with them!❤
So happy you’re still in the good company of Whiskers…the curious & blissful nature you share in common with sea dogs.
They're an intelligent animal and they find him interesting. Best way to experience wild-life is on their terms. Wonderful.
We were meant to share this planet with animals. Every time I see a person like this, show kindness to animals, it seems that the animals always show their true colors….which is to be, at least to an extent, affectionate and kind in return.
To see them cuddle you and smiling was so incredibly sweet really touched my ❤. 😊😮💕
My heart is warm just looking at you and all those seals swimming around you and hugging, trying to get into your arms. It is just awesome. People in the hospital should see this video it is extremely relaxing, all in nature is therapeutic.
So Awesome! Seals are the dogs of the ocean!
That’s absolutely beautiful! They are therapeutic because they are pure of heart. They just are …. They don’t want anything from you other than friendship. It’s beautiful! Thank you for sharing! ❤
That's absolutely wonderful, I can imagine just how special that must feel too. Looks like you've acquired an army of fans.
This is amazing , you can see the love and benevolence in these animals eyes , incredible !
As a 21 year old who does been a fan of the non traditional world, this video has now forced me to become a diver. It is shallow to believe that all of the beauty in the rubber lies of land. Thank you for inspiring to become a diver. P.S., I am not a diver yet but since I already typed it out, I must hold myself accountable to a promise I am making with myself. Peace be with you all.
Get yourself an Open Water cert and a Dry Suit cert. Then hop on a plane and have fun
Ive decided to become a pilot, maybe go on CIA missions. After i get my pilots license and land a job flying the president around.
@@mikimiyazakiI decided to be an alpha male long time ago. I also love anime someday i will go to Japan and marry a Japanese so that I can live there😍
@@BlackTourmaline25🙄
@@BlackTourmaline25
Incel alert.
Love is genuinely universal. Thank you so much for sharing! And wishing you many years to come with the seals.
Respect for that guy.
My first job away from home was a kayak tour guide off the coast of New Brunswick. It was a really hard time for me but taking people out to see the harbour seals made everything worth it. They would whip under my kayak and constantly flip my rudder up. I’m so grateful for that experience, they truly are amazing!
I truly hope I get to visit New Brunswick and the rest of Canada some day.
They're such beautiful creatures ❤️😍
bless this man, and bless all the animals on mother earth
So REAL the interaction. Somehow more tender and moving than most of what one sees in the world today. Tank you for sharing.
I dove off Fiji with a commercial diver named API and after we watched him feed about a dozen bull sharks, I went on my way to film some coral and as I was just swimming slow at about 45 feet I took my eyes out of the view finder and there, shoulder to shoulder with me was a 8 foot Bull Shark - could have petted him- he just swam with me and then slowly moved on - and I have it on video :) 1996
How very precious!!!
You just fully warmed my heart!!
I would love to have such a powerful interaction with these beautiful creatures!!!
🥰🙏☮️🙏🥰
Thanks for sharing!
I dived with Seals in South Africa. Best dive I've ever done. Amazing experience. They were so curious and friendly
Seals are the Labrador’s of the Ocean 💜