Befriending a Sperm Whale

Witness the first encounter between Patrick and a sperm whale he names “Dolores.”
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“Patrick and the Whale“ premieres February 21, 2024, at 8|7c on PBS and KZbin.
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Nature is a production of The WNET Group for PBS. Throughout its history, Nature has brought the natural world to millions of viewers. The PBS series has been consistently among the most-watched primetime series on public television.
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Patrick Dykstra has a life-changing experience in Dominica when he has a close encounter with a sperm whale he names “Dolores.” During this first encounter, he attempts to communicate with her and she seems to respond.
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[@HellOnWheel]

These are my favorite episodes, where someone is telling their own story of connection with nature. Like the recent platypus one.

[@jimcorriere9556]

Platypus is poisonous!

[@rhondahuggins9542]

Dolores is probably thinking...Oh look at this cute little thing!! I cant wait to tell Martha😂

[@TerryFord-sr9nr]

I love your incredibly cute and innocent comment❤❤

[@scoon2117]

It must be so divine to be a sperm whale.

[@cindyo6298]

I though you were going to say "can't wait to name it Martha" 🤣

[@wordswordswords8203]

LOL

[@michelearnold8708]

😂😂😂

[@dirdib69]

"After about 45 minutes, I realized that I only had a snorkel and kinda needed to breathe soon."

[@williamblake7386]

This made my day

[@nunyabiz334]

That's what didn't makes sense to me. How on earth was he able to breathe?

[@_.equilibrium_]

@@nunyabiz334he most likely went up for air a few times

[@AurioDK]

@@nunyabiz334 An experienced diver with training can hold his/her breath for 2-3 minutes easily which is amazing, if I hold my breath for 10 seconds I start to panic.

[@octilli]

@@AurioDKthen you have issues. even a child can hold their breath for at least 30 seconds let alone someone with fully grown lungs.

[@benjamindover5676]

You are not just befriending,, you are talking and communicating with a whale! I doubt anything will happen to me today that can beat this as the "best thing that happened today".

[@BanFamilyVlogging]

Whales are sentient, deeply intelligent beings. That must have been magical

[@BanFamilyVlogging]

@@philipmartin2919 are you asking me to elaborate? Or just confirming that was the word I meant to use?

[@attackmaster519]

@@BanFamilyVlogging Just a strong word to use, I imagine, and perhaps a bit misleading considering we're just talking about a simple animal.

[@BanFamilyVlogging]

@@attackmaster519 we’re **not** just talking about a simple animal, though; that’s my entire point. Did you know, for example, that sperm whales have cultural clans & language dialects? Studies have shown that sperm whales have a rich culture that includes passing on generational knowledge through families. There are also two distinct cultures, which involve different ways of doing things. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, because you know that we’re not privy to everything that whales are doing or thinking. Whales *are* sentient & self aware, that’s been established. And it’s not a uniquely human trait.

[@attackmaster519]

@@BanFamilyVlogging Cultural Clans is a *very* strong term to use. I imagine you're probably just referring to genetic families, like herds, which while cool and all, isn't very impressive. This would be like claiming ants have cultural clans. Arguably, but that doesn't make ants "deeply intelligent". Same with the concept of generational information. Another powerful term that I imagine you're using very misleading. If you're referring to the concept of a parent teaching their young, that's not a unique concept and many social species exhibit that. That is not the same as it is for Humans. No animal species on Earth is going to learn from an ancestor who lived centuries ago. Humans, on the other hand, do so quite regularly. Scale matters a lot when we're trying to evaluate things like behavior. Whales are sentient. Sentience is not as uncommon as people think. After all, sentience is just the capacity to think and feel emotion. Most animals are capable of at least rudimentary sentience. Sapience is the tricky one, as it requires a creature to be self aware. And as it currently stands, Humans are the only ones provably self aware. Though it should be stated that a fair number of species raise enough red flags that they are worth considering, like some advanced corvids and our Porpoise friends, Dolphins, as well as some of our Primate brothers. But none of these have been scientifically confirmed. And what we often end up finding is that the smartest specimens from other species can only ever hope to compete with very young Humans. Human level intelligence is an expensive and complicated trait to evolve, and simply isn't worth it for most species. And only a handful of species have been confirmed to be sapient so far, and all of them were Hominids, and of them, we're the only ones left. Whales are intelligent, and very intelligent when compared to most animals. But it's important for Humans to not try and project Humanity into creatures that do not possess it. It's wrong and misleading for us, and potentially harmful for them. Respecting animals doesn't just mean ensuring the bar isn't too low for them, it also means making sure the bar isn't too high either.

[@BanFamilyVlogging]

@@attackmaster519 “you imagine” I’m using? How much actual research have you done on this topic? On what information are you basing your opinion?

[@AurioDK]

Delores: Ooooh, look at this cute little thing, I will call it Bill.

[@GeneralGeorgeS.PattonJr.]

And I will pet him & pat him & squeeze him & love him ALL-UP!

[@wordswordswords8203]

lol

[@CRN-68]

Absolutely fantastic !! The way she recognised your "tic-tic" greetings, and then the way she dansed with you, that is simply awesome !!!

[@markmuller7962]

It's like a first contact with aliens

[@TheWolfalpino]

If you think in the ancient times we were swimming and communicating with them, being a one thing only, no separation... This is how it should be, and even more, time given. We are the aliens

[@ArchTeryx00]

On BOTH sides. He may have been the first human Dolores ever had seen close up, and she was doing what Sperm Whales always do - she gave her pod's coda ping to him, and he pinged back. And that was enough to seriously attract her interest.

[@markmuller7962]

@@ArchTeryx00 So true

[@ArchTeryx00]

@@markmuller7962 With her size and scarring, I was guessing - and it is a guess - that Dolores was a senior matriarch of her pod or a pod at one time. So upon finding something unusual, her instinct would be to take charge and investigate it. Being smol and unaggressive, she chose a friendly "handshake" to greet this new creature, and what do you know they *sent back the coda!* He couldn't really talk much beyond that, and once they traded some friendly gestures, she decided he was nothing to worry about, and sank away to resume her business in the bathypelagic depths. And nowhere, not ONCE, have I ever seen a Sperm Whale exhibit hunting behavior toward a human. Event the jaw-gape Dolores does is a friendly gesture to a whale, not unlike a smile. She was happy, not hungry. Despite millenia of myths saying otherwise, we've never been food to Sperm Whales. They seem to want to be friends instead.

[@markmuller7962]

@ArchTeryx00 That was a nice read ☺️

[@hunterG60k]

Incredible animals, I have no doubt that if we can decipher their language we'll discover that they are thoughtful and intelligent beings. I almost cried when she rolled over at him, just stunning

[@--AE--]

If they’re so smart then why can’t they decipher our language? Or at the very least come up with a language that’s easy for us to decipher? They’re smart… for animals. Which is like you saying that your 2-year-old is smart. Yeah, maybe… for a 2-year-old that still poops their pants and eats their boogers.

[@kaykovuskerteus90]

​@@--AE--Maybe they are smarter than us in a different way. I hope we will find out someday

[@jasonvoorhees5518]

@@kaykovuskerteus90 Define smart, what's smart to us might not be smart for animals. You forget that we have human smartness, you think humans are smart because they can make nuclear bombs and then throw them at eachother, is that smart? Think you overestimate humans like every human does.

[@ronan5642]

Because they don't have computers nor the data to do so? What? You gonna expect a whale to pull out a computer monitor? Good shit.​@@--AE--

[@--AE--]

@@ronan5642 What are you rambling on about, genius? You don’t need computers for any of that. You do realize that languages and writing were around long before computers right? You know what, I take it back. Maybe whales are smarter than some ppl.

[@Workhardsavemore]

I've had some encounters with sperm whales I remember one following us around for days Working on the ocean and not touching land 3 months at a time. Sometimes I felt like the only connection I had was with this whale that would follow us I knew which one it was because of the unique scar on the nose I remember one time I was going through some dark moments Which I won't explain why But when I was thinking about jumping over board and tying in anchor to my ankles Seeing the look in the whale's eyes it was as if it knew I remember thinking that it was telling me I don't belong down there That Whale is probably the reason i'm alive

[@crashburn3292]

Whale: "Finally, a human who speaks my language!"

[@PrimarchMatterion]

LOL

[@lovedbythestars9609]

Astoundingly beautiful moment. May we keep them safe. "Nobody knew this whale." No human knew this whale. I wonder what her whale name is in her whale family...

[@Pumpkintiti]

Umm most certainly indeed right 👍🏽 it's like an ahhh moment

[@meridiasbeacon7669]

*click click cliiiiick click* But jokes aside yea

[@NotUnymous]

Why do you think whales have names?

[@lovedbythestars9609]

@@NotUnymous Names in their language not ours...we know that individuals recognize each other. Do you assume that they're nameless? Why? And what is a name? In human culture, a name is made of letters. In whale culture, a name could be a certain frequency, or a smell, and so on...bet you didn't think your trolling would get such a long response! Have a great day ! 😄

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

@@NotUnymous Why not? They can clearly communicate, so a name would only seem obvious.

[@Doomsdaystomp86]

This has to have been the most majestic experience imaginable. Such amazing creatures. Safe travels Dolores!

[@JUSTME-mb6lg]

What your life would be like after experiencing such an encounter. . . . 🎗😥😂💖💔 and everything in between

[@TimeTheory2099]

Thanks Nova on PBS 👍 Hoping this video short is what will be broadcast soon.

[@TheShadowMan.]

“Patrick and the Whale“ premieres February 21, 2024, at 8|7c on PBS and KZbin.

[@FlowingDepths]

Profound to see two creatures of such different backgrounds respecting each other. Wild.

[@bolynn9668]

Wow her poor tail has taken a beating but still a glorious creature.

[@XzX-7]

That is one of the most amazing things I've seen in my life. And I love it when we can see her eyes. Close up you know you really are establishing something extraordinary.

[@user-xs8bt7fn2e]

I love their eyes! There's something so special about them, like a window into their wisdom.

[@daviddamasceno6063]

Crazy to look at such a majestic being like that in the eye and imagine what unthinkable things it has seen through it's life.

[@SpikeCutolo]

Simply full of the *feels* ❤

[@judycook1918]

That must have been the coolest thing ever to experience. What a special relationship you have formed with her. I hope you continue to have contact with her and it grows. Please keep us informed if you have future contact. My best to both of you.

[@Judaspriest66624]

Amazing Amazing stuff, The roll !!

[@venicawood3894]

Not sure why but I find I have tears running down my cheeks.

[@Leadfoot_P71]

Me too...but I thought about the fact that we used to hunt these intelligent beings for profit...

[@dextermorgan2776]

Movies....... Probably avatar way of water..... Whale hunting scene....

[@Zephyrpalms]

You and me both. What a beautiful encounter. 😢

[@LordCommander-ui2fw]

Me too. When I realized what was happening, that a human and such a magnificent creature were actually communicating... Deeply moved is an understatement.

[@heinrichharrer82]

We are not sensitive enough yet to cpmprehend the world go round, that is why we keep on destroying our mother😢

[@PhilipMurphy8Extra]

Incredible animals for sure

[@cocoa_pacific]

She is beautiful and so very intelligent and kind 😊

[@khanmufassir9115]

Beautiful sight

[@billjoat]

WOW that was incredible. I hope you can find Delores again.

[@Ray-b7r]

So cool but I can't think of anything more terrifying than being in the water with a gigantic creature like that!

[@VladislavBabbitt]

This species has such a peculiar morphology.

[@marcchasanoff5787]

That's one of the coolest things I've ever seen

[@whitneymatalone9458]

WOW this was so beautiful to see, thank you for sharing. Made me smile 😊

[@hblais6740]

Thank you for your great film. It's very amazing to be ssso close of whale. Wow great series. Thanks PBS ❤❤❤

[@dondouglass6415]

How absolutely incredible... We so underestimate animals at times... May Dolores have a long and healthy life.. Huzzah Dolores... 😊

[@sulemanmalik8228]

When you´re near a whale like that you don´t have to worry about sharks lol.

[@Gusttafa]

Those giants are just majestic. I want them live long and happy lives.

[@veronicahasler7980]

Nature is beyond incredible and beyond beautiful

[@yolandaz2706]

Oh WOW!!! How awesome to get so close to & connect like that with a sperm whale!!! Breathtaking!!!

[@emilyw842]

Intelligent, beautiful, wonderful whale. I teared uo watching this interaction with her. How blessed to experience this with her.

[@krishnaswamy8383]

Awesome! Thought provoking!! You've transcended boundaries!! ❤❤

[@StephenBanks-m8n]

Remarkable, spectacular, beautiful

[@wasyertakeawaythaturmadeofcorn]

For the past few months I've been mostly unsuccessful in my pursuit to see videos of sperm whales, so I can't wait to watch this on T.V. I had realized I've never seen these guys in action; only pictures and drawings. Thanks for the clip.

[@Raydensheraj]

Absolutely incredible....

[@Bahamascottoutdoors]

The most personal encounter I've seen to date. Wonderful

[@juliobarrios2520]

Cant imagine how acient whales viewed early humanoid once ocean was thing worth exploring.

[@Hawken54]

Sperm whales' lower jaws are long & narrow compared to other whales.

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

Fabulous video adventure... congratulations...

[@jollyjokress3852]

Isn't this one of the most amazing things in the world? Whales are just soo great!

[@pepedeltoro6647]

I thought the clicking sound was very dangerous to humans?

[@Lillyluri]

Imagine the fun the whale had, finding out that this funny little thing knew how to say "hello".

[@drinny26]

How did you hold your breath for 45 minutes?

[@elijahroberts3044]

Nature of TBN is a great program.

[@judytran3514]

Amazing interaction between 2 intelligent beings.

[@karikalan8830]

0:26 They are literally like homelander

[@AreHan1991]

Stunning communication between different species

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

You established communication, this wail knows you have intelligence now.😊

[@michaelkopacz6324]

Wow! That would be an incredible thing to experience! Meeting an awesome creature like that whale.

[@kg9472]

I’ve always wanted to experience something like this with a Sperm Whale. I’ve swam with dolphins in the wild and they were absolutely fantastic creatures of God. Beautiful. But this is the next venture I need. It’s so humbling.

[@Nanakanisurra]

Awe, I love this whale already.

[@cruzmizzl]

To think that just over a century ago their experiences w humans were terrible, for we almost wiped them off existence. Respect to these researchers.

[@ArchTeryx00]

"Little alien is friend-shaped" isn't a bad approximation of what Dolores might have been thinking. He recognized her coda and tapped it back, and that changed everything. He basically gave the pod's handshake to her, and if Sperm Whales are even half as smart as they appear to be, that would provoke *intense* curiosity. And that's what he got - a very close, very *careful* look-see before Dolores decided to go back to doing whale things in the depths. A pair of friendly hellos traded with a *wild animal* is a little miracle in itself. But as nearly always seems to be the case, the Sperm Whales readily accept our presence and are careful not to hurt us. Now that we're not killing them en masse any more, we're starting to realize just how sophisticated these animals *are.*

[@DominicVictoria]

I sometimes forget these are carnivores. I prolly shit my pants if I ever see her mouth open.

[@rikschoonbeek]

One of the most beautiful and fascinating experiences I can imagine, swimming with a whale. Somewhat scary too I must admit.

[@ulysses_grant]

This creature is just marvelous. Look at that size. Magnificent! Being face to face like that with such a titanic creature is certainly an astonishing experience one would carry to life.

[@armand187]

Absolutely AMAZING!!! So thankful this video is shared with us to enjoy.

[@robworrall1291]

Hi scuba bro..I was a video man for 416 dives&absolutely am jealous in a happy way. Gheers&more power to u ..n..aquatic life❤❤

[@yoostpieters]

Ik had het zelfde gevoel toen ik jaren geleden op een voet safari was in Swaziland. Daar kwamen we oog in oog met een olifant die ons een voor een screende. Het voelde of ze dwars door me heen keek. Toen ze zag dat er geen dreiging van ons uit ging, tetterde ze achterom en kwam de hele kudde uit de struiken. Ze liepen langs ons om bij een meertje te gaan drinken. onvergetelijk! De meeste mensen hebben geen flauw benul op wat voor een prachtige planeet we wonen!!!

[@rayrocher6887]

Thanks for helping that whale, save what could be

[@samuel.andermatt]

These clicks are insanely loud, I wonder how hard it was to stay close given the volume.

[@Shiningami_Jem]

That's what I was waiting too. To tell us how those clicks felt 😅

[@JayjayElon]

Two warm blood being communicated each other.

[@darrinwebber4077]

If Orcas are the wolves of the oceans... Then , I guess Sperm Whales would be the grizzlies if the oceans.

[@elenarodriguez3477]

Wow! You had me in overwhelming tears 🥲

[@Luke18_13]

I’ve always had a fond love of whales, had many wonderful dreams with whales, but to be in the water with these behemoths, might take an extraordinary amount of bravery on my part. They are undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and beautiful creatures on planet earth.

[@schalitz1]

As a scuba diver something like this is one of my lifelong dreams!

[@alishademmery3581]

Magnificent

[@scoon2117]

This man is living a beautiful crazy life.

[@wittypoker]

It's all fun and games until it says hi.

[@Sunbeargirl]

What an incredible experience. I’d give anything to swim with Delores though I think her beauty & grace might have deserved a more fitting name!

[@danvanslyke471]

Incredible! A once in a lifetime experience!

[@melissapietrok8050]

She is so beautiful and smart 💜

[@jhibbitt1]

0:51 did that not terrify you enough to swim away?

[@ivishu3850]

Какие они огромные и прелестные! И глаза у них внимательные ❤️

[@littlebirdy845]

What an unimaginable privelage just awe inspiring

[@C-P_ELG]

she was sending out a sonar pulse scanning your body? Right there, she was trying to decide if you're worth eating.

[@mattstudios740]

They don’t eat humans, they only eat things they know are food, such as giant squid.

[@moniquewrites9046]

Yeah we have too many bones

[@renumeratedfrog]

best date ever

[@yhird]

Incredible intelligence.

[@okkatelynjosey5401]

I'm just wondering, doesn't that hurt his ears since sperm whales are very loud, or dies he have ear plugs?

[@Cam-kz5xu]

Beyond awesome...to be along side such a beautiful massive creation of God and share such respect and love for each other brings a smile to my heart..I just want to hug her😊❤

[@aroundandround]

Video made me breathless.

[@MillanA98]

How do you stop your goggles from fogging

[@ManuelRocha-nd3fx]

such a beautiful animal

[@PrimarchMatterion]

The comments here are just as amazing and entertaining as the video!!

[@lcrosbylola]

This is so amazing! I would love to experience this one time in my life! ❤️

[@Zak_How]

This is so crazy

[@Jackasses]

I’d be there every day going TIC TIC, TICTICTIC

[@glennschiffer1742]

gave me the goosebumps.......amazing

[@katherinecooper6159]

We need to learn to communicate with all species. They ave so much to teach us.

[@Cancun771]

Dude! It's *Dolores **_Whalebone!_* It was right there!

[@suzystone244]

STUNNING footage. Miss Delores ❤

[@ljbailey6602]

Absolutely fascinating. Communicating w/ a whale is incredible. L🐋VE.

[@mimim8532]

Let’s roll in the water! I’m in love! Dolores! I love you!

[@kittendkat5100]

Whale turned around and said "now say it again, and this time to my face. I DARE you".