Was This Whale Trying to Save a Diver’s Life? | National Geographic

Biologist Nan Hauser believes that when a humpback whale approached her and started nudging, lifting, and covering, it was acting to protect her from a nearby tiger shark.
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A biologist who's spent nearly three decades studying humpback whale, Nan Hauser never experienced an encounter like the one in September 2017. For ten minutes, the barnacle-knobbed humpback nudged her, lifted her out of the water, and swept her under its pectoral fin. She thought the whale might kill her. But once she was aboard her boat, she saw a tiger shark in the vicinity. Hauser thinks the whale was trying to protect her. The claim was met with skepticism by Hauser’s peers, and she understands their hesitation. But humpback whales do rescue animals-both other humpbacks and other species-from predators. The reasons for this behavior aren’t fully known. Her first-person footage puts you right where Hauser was. But it's nearly impossible to know the humpback's real motivation.
Read more in "Whale Allegedly Protects Diver From Shark, But Questions Remain"
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Was This Whale Trying to Save a Diver’s Life? | National Geographic
• Was This Whale Trying ...
National Geographic
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[@NatGeo]

Even three decades of research couldn't explain this intimate encounter between a biologist and a whale. Do you think this humpback whale's actions were motivated by altruism?

[@theoldschooldiva374]

National Geographic I do!!!

[@adamrounds1670]

well it would be great and something we could all learn ❤

[@sephiriel7601]

Whales are very intelligent creatures but I wouldn't put it past this one that like dolphins she was curious and wanted to play. It could also have something to do with not being able to dive deep into ocean I noticed the depth is shallow for this humpback, with no where to dive why not play with the humans try them out.

[@markromero5331]

National Geographic that was a intense rare moment, that go's "way, beyond words". Sheer Beauty , and breathtaking ! Thank You !

[@AzlianaLyana]

It could be that the whales are simply reacting to the divers bubbles same as reacting to orcas’s sounds, maybe...

[@Tama-sw8tn]

_"The reasons for this behavior aren't fully known"_ *Whale: "Cause with big size comes great responsibility"*

[@spvillano]

There are times when I begin to lose faith in humanity, then one comes along and says or does something special, to renew hope for humanity. Thank you.

[@kari7403]

Whale version of spiderman

[@rajns8643]

Niceeeeeeeeee

[@zooemperor3954]

Tama if a whale became an ocean superhero that should be a tag line for the comic or movie

[@hollows7224]

I need to show my friend this comment lmao.

[@kingdiamondeyes9332]

Had tears in my eyes when the whale made a noise after she was back in the boat and she said "I love you too." The intelligent and benevolent nature of these creatures is incredible. We can't let them go extinct because of our actions. We have to help keep these gentle giants alive... They deserve at least that much.

[@jif.6821]

Here in Hawai'i I personally experienced a Humpback come right up next to the hull of a boat I was in and she lifted her newborn baby completely out of the water to show us her new pride and joy. She hung around the boat for around 30 minutes before we had to leave. She and her baby followed us for 15 minutes before dropping back for her baby. Amazing animals. At another time while I was freediving along north shore of Maui spearfishing a whole pod of over a hundred Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins totally surrounded me even placing their babies in the center mass with me. Wasn't sure what was happening at first but later discovered they were protecting me from the resident Tiger Shark that prowls this section of coastline. They stayed with me for about 20 minutes then they disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. I love all cetaceans.

[@mhcook9747]

You just made me smile, I really needed to smile.

[@hdotl6286]

You tell pretty lies but I already heard that dolphin story.

[@northwestprof60]

Yes. Right. She was "showing off her baby." Do you have ANY evidence for that?? Nope. But it's what you want it to be. Maybe she was offering it to you to adopt! Maybe a whale sacrifice? The possibilities are endless.

[@ehhidontknow]

Michael McKenzie the mystery here is your crappy attitude at such an innocent comment lmao

[@eggs_tm]

Thank you for sharing. I'm jealous you got to experience that but I'm glad you did

[@killercaos123]

Once in a lifetime experience. She sure won't ever forget.

[@NatGeo]

Yes, luckily for her, this experience was captured on camera!

[@deeo4888]

The whale wont either :')

[@mayofastora1615]

Wow national geographic responded

[@channelsettings6112]

He didn't forget it either...they met again and both recognized each other and (kind of) cuddled. There is another video of her where she tells the whole story. Just beautiful.

[@angelobellino5716]

I love whales. They are so cute and affectionate towards their own members

[@NatGeo]

Did you know the humpback whales sing songs to communicate to each other from great distances? 🐋

[@angelobellino5716]

National Geographic Yes

[@lisaceccherini838]

Yes they are. This shows that they are intelligent enough to know that humans need to get out of danger!

[@ianstuart371]

@@lisaceccherini838 the only problem is that humpback whales don't see sharks as dangerous because sharks don't mess with humpback whales while they're alive. Cool video but it definitely isn't altruism

[@ianstuart371]

@@Jason-..- nope... Not often at all.... Incredibly rare and it never happens to healthy whales...

[@brettperry3737]

If it wanted to hurt her, it would have. And if there was a shark in the area, I don't understand why people still cling to the idea that only humans are capable of behaving altruistically.

[@jfrv2244]

Because inherent stupidity, u know...

[@iMsOiNsO]

Ofc not the very own definition of altruism speaks on part of humans and animals alike

[@lagubrok92]

@Ryan Tandy I think it wasn't just because of that, I believe it was more like it hurts our ego if animal showing its intelligence. Animal with little intelligence fascinates us, animal with a lot of intelligence shocks us, and if an animal having the same or more intelligence than us?. Many will be very and very upset and feels threatened.

[@Nicho_Cheesy]

@@lagubrok92 Interesting claim. Humans are known to assert dominance through their minds rather than their physical superiority. That's not to say we don't show dominance in that manner, but we definitely cherish our minds and intelligence more. To see something that is supposed to be "lesser" being just as intelligent would hurt a human's natural ego and therefore make them threatened.

[@funnelvortex7722]

​@@Nicho_Cheesy Except while these creatures are intelligent human intelligence is still a unique brand because a lot of human intelligence comes from being an omnivore bipedal predator with two arms with thumbs who evolved from herbivores and hunts prey with a body that isn't well suited for the task in of itself leading to the necessitated use of tools and strive for innovation. Harnessing fire also drove human intelligence a lot going forward. Not every intelligent animal is intelligent in the same way, you won't see whales or dolphins developing complex technology, science, or mathematics because they don't have the physical means or environmental drivers to. Chimpanzees and gorillas are still the closest animals to humans, even with all things whale and dolphin considered. And I would argue crows are closer to us than whales/dolphins since crows have shown tool use and problem solving skills along with their social nature. Whales and dolphins are socially and emotionally intelligent creatures but those are only two parts of the full equation we would use to define an advanced species.

[@plantfoxproductions7877]

Imagine being so close to something so big yet so gentle.

[@garyhaase8342]

Went out on science tour and whale came up to the side of the boat. It rolled on its side so we all could see it up close. It was great!

[@princessbeexxxx]

The Whale was definitely protecting her. She explained the whole situation, even explained why the whale was protecting her. So freaking beautiful.

[@spvillano]

As the old song goes, Sometimes you need a bit of help from a friend.

[@artphotography9158]

A friend of someone on the boat who works with Nan said she exaggerated and lied about the shark …that whale is well known there to be very interactive. I was so sad and hurt even to have believed so much in her

[@rockyhd5074]

@@artphotography9158 what freind? You can't just say shi with no proof

[@GroovyBabyYeah]

I’m not ashamed to admit it, I cried. It’s breathtaking to imagine

[@sadbanananaboi7800]

I'm crying right now, because I just love nature so much ... What a truly heartwarming encounter. :)

[@EldiasMahdiSastra]

It's so amazing when she move so slow and gently because she know human are weak and fragile.

[@noircat5]

Whether it was trying to save her life or not it was definitely an amazing experience and a shocker that a whale would be so gentle towards a human much less approach one willingly.

[@Metrikon9000]

"I love you, too." That was the most wholesome response ever, and it is exactly what I would have said. Although, I might have been too busy crying tears of joy to form a coherent sentence.

[@randyjax09]

Hey you never know. 🤷‍♂️ Even among whales, Humpbacks are exceptionally intelligent. There’s footage out there of humpbacks showing up to defend a gray whale mother & calf from a pod of orcas.

[@chelseacomps829]

Randy H But the orcas still ate it lol

[@randyjax09]

Ello - Gaming & More! I deliberately left that part out lol. Orcas will be orcas.

[@fishfossils8858]

Its not just humpbacks these animals are far more intelligent than people give them credit for, i mean ffs as if we can really judge the intelligence of a creature that doesn’t speak the same language

[@MOBFAX]

FishFossils yes we can. How stupid are you? Seriously?

[@northwestprof60]

But orcas are so gentle. Just the other day, one brought her calf alongside the boat. I think she was trying to tell me a complicated algebraic equation.

[@dre2878]

All I wanted to do was cry and cry and cry...that TRULY MELTED MY HEART!!! THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOMENT CAUGHT ON VIDEO! TRULY AWESOME! HUMPBACK WHALES ARE VERY KIND AND GREAT ANIMAL'S 💖💖💖

[@CeliaBellaRealtor]

Whales are compassionate, altruistic guardians of the ocean.

[@bfoster2335]

It made me cry. So sweet.

[@TonyHogan]

#MeToo Nature is so beautiful, unexpected joy, amazing animals.

[@IndeyUA]

Me too :)

[@RAVIRAJCHANDANSHIVE]

Me too

[@chhanez]

Who's cutting onions 😭😭😭😭

[@chrysology]

Same.

[@KatherineUribe-1]

I believe that whales are capable of emotions like love and compassion. Whales are amazing!💗🐋💗

[@mhcook9747]

@Oshe Shango That wasn't a nice remark Oshe. You should be kind and more like a whale.

[@mhcook9747]

Please ignore Oshe's remark. It was unkind.

[@Jaqvander]

@Oshe Shango why so sour, Oshe?

[@crispyspaghetti772]

@@mhcook9747 how was it unkind? He actually said the truth and there is no sign of aggression or harm in his comment.

[@perdykool]

This was a beautiful video, made me wanna cry. I couldn't imagine an encounter like this.

[@NatGeo]

We love how intimately we get to experience this interaction in this footage.

[@prasad_g]

114 dislikes from tiger sharks 🦈🦈

[@prasad_g]

@Tien Hoang guess sharks are campaigning for it.😆

[@valistrutu]

Or Japanese people!

[@pakarpintu4917]

Plankton i guest

[@M_Scene982]

They're demon not shark

[@HalfNHalf.]

Awww I loved how she was screaming “I LOVE YOU TOO!” Amazing animals❤️

[@Enoughalready20237]

She never felt threatened by this whale. Ever. This whale was so gentle with her. It was just as curious and loving towards her and she was with it.

[@lilaclizard4504]

You get what you deserve in this life 3 decades of studying the whales, no doubt for the purpose of helping them, she deserved this experience & protection & the whale knew it :)

[@chrysology]

Whales (and dolphins) feel and behave like family. They are simply majestic, and curious, gentle and intelligent. I would love to know how to better communicate with them. Thank you for this remarkable video it made my day.

[@skylarkblue4853]

Just call in their souls with respect, speak to them, and listen for their answer. I once sent love to a whale without expectation. I received a huge wave of love back as I was standing on a high hillside overlooking the water. I'll never forget that experience.

[@Dea_Ex_Machina]

Such awe inspiring creatures. Left a tear in my eye!

[@JustJake77]

Whales are so much more evolved than we could ever be. They never cease to amaze me. To swim up close with one is the dream.

[@theoldschooldiva374]

Jake MC77 Right!

[@hintoflimetostitochip7978]

I’m sorry how are they more evolved than us?

[@JustJake77]

Nathaniel Hill Please tell me you're kidding right? If not.... Been around a couple millennia longer than humans. Have shown to have highly structured intelligence and social structures not only within there own groups but with other species they share the oceans with. Can speak without words but with sonar and sounds that is far more advanced and diverse than any human language. Just to name a few things as to why they are more advanced than us.

[@jdittmann1977]

While most cetaceans have complex intelligence, and live a socially complex and highly communicative lifestyle, the debate on who is more highly evolved and intelligent rages on in science. Interestingly some whales have spindle cells in their brain, that are responsible, In humans and great apes, for processing emotions and helping us interact socially...but you still must be careful about anthropomorphic interpretation of intelligence in whales

[@hintoflimetostitochip7978]

Hey mr. smart Jake. We don’t communicate by humming because our brains and mouths can form these things called words. I’m not saying they haven’t evolved but their intelligence levels are nowhere near that of a humans. I mean maybe yours but definitely not someone like me who understands that human beings are at the top of the food chain with very minimal evolution... which then in turn makes us the most evolved species. Now I’m sorry to burst your whale loving bubble.

[@deanthornby2026]

That's put a tear in my eyes ... After keeping animals for over twenty years I know that people don't normally understand anything about animals ....it's time this changed !!!

[@kaiabea280]

That just warmed my heart. Love ya, humpback 💙

[@NatGeo]

We are in awe of this humpback whale's kind gesture toward the biologist!

[@AlweeNBoo]

I'm speechless.. how incredibly heartwarming and beautiful

[@utkalbiology1931]

I cried watching this video..Very lovable animal

[@YuanJane]

Oh I am crying, whales certainly has a beautiful heart.

[@Doopye]

This makes me cry, so beautiful..

[@SoumOrg]

that's why we make nature videos #nature is truly magnificient !

[@NatGeo]

We're always looking to capture the best of nature through our videos!

[@utku3340]

Whale is like '' Dude you swim worse than newborn whales and can't control your breath like drunk dolphins. Better you should stay at the surface.''

[@cyndifoore7743]

Animals are so much more intelligent than what we give them credit for.

[@DivingWithMatt]

Amazing footage, always wonder what they are thinking when they see us.

[@NatGeo]

Yes, we love this deep interaction between the whale and the biologist. We wonder what the whale is thinking too!

[@brendaann727]

Awesome, God made the animals to be our friends, this is a perfect example of that. She lived my dream! Thanks so much for sharing...

[@user-xg9pv1sl7b]

What a wonderful creature!

[@roarshackstudios5193]

amazing! I can't imagine how unreal this must have felt.

[@NatGeo]

We love how intimately we get to experience this interaction between the whale and the biologist!

[@tavishibansal3665]

Whales and elephants will always be my favourite creatures.

[@baconlivesmatter3749]

Whales are such beautiful creatures, And shouldn't be treated badly, I mean this thing saved a person's life!

[@GandalfTheTsaagan]

Even if the critter was just toying with Nan, it isn't less of an encounter Makes you wonder what's their view of the world

[@fivezgamingftw]

aleix1203 *the universe, the might know more than we think

[@user-uc1xp2kn6d]

Those pictures were unbelievably joyous

[@Reminiscable]

'Altruism' - it's hard for humans to understand.

[@justincoloma3721]

I’ve seen something similar to this before. I was watching a similar documentary where a pod of killer whales was attacking a gray whale and it’s calf so a couple of humpback whales nearby in the area tried to intervene with the orcas (chasing them away from their meal, tail splashing, etc), sadly the orcas still got the calf but it is fascinating to see creatures interact with other creatures just like we humans would act to other people.

[@lisaceccherini838]

Yes I have seen several similar videos. Humpbacks rule!

[@hekladp1810]

The universe is beautiful.

[@Zenigotcha]

The true gentle giants of the seas that are compassionate.

[@LadyTressa]

I think the title should have Marine Biologist rather than just Diver....her schooling and experience deserves more than just Diver!

[@eliasjammal1043]

Regardless if it's protecting her, that was a beautiful encounter. Wales are the measurement of human future existence.

[@lizyfoxXD]

This is the cutest thing i've ever seen 😢❤

[@vs52217]

There is a kindness in the eyes of whales.

[@naynaynay324]

Whale: You're out of your element human.

[@gyneve]

Welp, now I'm crying.

[@triedproven9908]

That was so amazing! Such a gentle giant!

[@carmendawnallan8871]

Didn't Know this,About Humpback Whales. Amazing !! Great Video, I Love Whales and Dolphins. 😍

[@NatGeo]

We love our animal friends under the sea too! Humpback whales and dolphins are very intelligent and empathetic animals, aren't they?

[@spinaltap111]

I love sharks

[@carmendawnallan8871]

National Geographic Amazing To See More,Videos of There Different Quirks I never Knew. Txs. 😊.👍

[@carmendawnallan8871]

Micah Velez . I like Them in,A Tank. 😨 . Lol. Have Friends who, use to be Fishermen on Shark Boats. I'm Good on,Them 😯

[@_sanic__maniac_3228]

Carmen Dawn Allan whales are the biggest mammals and i like it

[@janhendrikdykman3262]

this is why i lve whales there adorable and love almost everything on this planet

[@spvillano]

Frankly, I may dislike, but respect their niche on the planet. Overall, I'm forced to love life on this planet, save on occasion, one species. It insists on calling itself a thinking species, but acts unbelievably unthinking far too frequently.

[@markt2002]

So amazing !! Awesome footage

[@NatGeo]

Isn't it so incredible to see the whale up close?

[@spvillano]

@@NatGeo would love to. Known to tread water all afternoon as recreation, only ran into sand sharks, who alerted me I had drifted into a current carrying me offshore. That, right after a woman who couldn't swim, but was swept out briefly, was towed to shore by a sand shark.

[@catherinebae7375]

God bless them 💓

[@janinepantonial2815]

Why does this 2 year old video make me cry

[@nata8082]

love humpback so much,how can he so kind?😭

[@mimi7434]

I'm not crying... Someone must be cutting onions.

[@daftpunkin5912]

What a gentle giant

[@f8ofk8]

Thank you, Nan, for being our envoy.

[@melaniewalker5226]

Watching that has really lifted my spirits.

[@lordnightvillain2589]

So fantastic! Gosh it was truly conscious of her!

[@davcharley5001]

Now that's one big hand,or fin. Whales are awesome no wonder I find them so incredible :) :) :)

[@NatGeo]

Everyone needs a helping hand, or fin, sometimes!

[@ZeJuank]

empathy, us, humans needs more of this

[@sheiladaniel4642]

Amazing and a once in a lifetime experience 💙

[@spvillano]

Well, even with nearly 30 years experience in the water, running across a tiger shark, while interacting with a whale is rare.

[@syedhussainalishah1104]

Amazing I,m in love with this whale...

[@maximayzenshpis6438]

Той момент коли у тварини більше людяності ❤❤❤, чім у деяких людей.

[@ggsbro2877]

Thats why i love whales

[@lov8453]

Simply beautiful!

[@serifenuruzer3555]

This is amazing

[@patrialibre12]

Beautiful.. hopefully one day I can see one myself.. hopefully from farther away 🤪

[@xenosmoke8915]

“I don’t need to outrun the shark, just that human over there. Come here human! I have... treats!”

[@AlannaVessels]

I’m really out here crying. Whales try and protect us and other species, and here are humans, trying to kill whales and killing the ocean/the planet. I have such a deep love for whales and all other animals. Whales are absolutely phenomenal.

[@nekk74able]

Amazing giants respect

[@princessbeexxxx]

I swear, we don't deserve such compassionate and blessed creatures. I feel like this planet is totally wasted on us sometimes.

[@himasalim522]

animals have more empathy than us.

[@AVerySillySausage]

Well... no... that's literally the opposite of the truth. Most animals have no sense of empathy at all, not in the same way we have. We are also equally capable of evil but those two go hand in hand. The difference is humans are capable of both extremes.

[@wicklash9065]

Than some, of us.

[@manueldiazgranados1777]

Amazing!!

[@VijayVerma-ox1qp]

nature protects us .....one way or another 😊

[@ianstuart371]

What about people who get eaten by sharks?

[@tamtavashakmadze508]

@Ian Stuart Well,it's people's fault. They shouldn't dive,surf or swim there where they know it is dangerous and risk their lives. Besides not all sharks are agressive towards humans :)

[@nkosistrainbullies5806]

The reason for the behaviour is the whale doesn't want other animals to get hurt. He/she is saving fellow mammals. Common sense people. Can we agree most water mammals are quit intelligent they just don't speak words but behave in very similar ways as humans.

[@coltinyancey3671]

soliloquy by nature thats alot of assumptions in a row. Its likely the whale was protecting her but not certain. Maybe it was bored, curious, or something else. Not all mammals are intelligent nor all sea mammals. While your message is good your logic behind it was not.

[@IWantToStayAtYourHouse]

Theres no guarantee she did it to protect her

[@theropen1997]

All animals behave the same way, including us. It all depends on how complex they are able to express certain behaviors.

[@Condoctuc]

@Sarah Bearheart wrong lol. All you hippie idiots seem to think 'ooooh the whales love us they just wanna help us'. They are animals, they are unpredictable, whales have behavioural patterns in which protect other species from sharks and orcas because it benefits them to keep the predator population without food and keeps their numbers down or weaker in a local area. You can easily find information online, so no : they weren't 'friends' keep your unscientific hippie fantasies to yourself thank you. Whilst many 'water mammals' are intelligent, it seems there are many humans like you that are not

[@nabimama5378]

@@Condoctuc Are you sure 'bout that? Are you not referring to yourself?

[@aves4081]

Magnificent and beautiful - really one in a life experience

[@TheGodTell]

what a majestic creature

[@anksas]

So this is what having a 'whale' of a time looks like! Fair dinkum, tears in my eyes. Diving is anyway so peaceful, this is just divine.

[@JarodLobo]

Beautiful

[@bionettarroyo5922]

Amazing. The whale just has a special bond with that specific diver.

[@theoldschooldiva374]

What an awesome job!!!

[@heatherheinemann2707]

OMG!!! THAT WAS AWESOME. AMAZING! I know nothing about whales really but it definitely was keeping that pretty lady close. I felt a protection discernment where the whal was protecting her from something. Super video. thank you soooo much for sharing.

[@NatGeo]

We're happy to hear you enjoyed watching this intimate encounter between the humpback whale and the biologist, Heather! We love how closely we get to witness this interaction.

[@ramitamadhu]

Breathtaking ❤️

[@wendymendes1929]

Animals are billion countless times far better then humans ...😇❤️❤️❤️

[@jofferhandles7654]

The stuff science fiction is made of. In real unbothered nature. Fascinating. One of the wonders of life

[@pinoywhereabouts2140]

amazing animals and such great experience she had

[@martinduffin7035]

I've seen this I believe her it's been documented before, truly majestic creatures

[@richardchandler3820]

Its truly amazing what we are learning about these amazing animals. I've spent some time in Monterey Bay, California and me and my wife spent time with Orcas and Humpback whales and I want to tell you, they are just as curious about us, as we are them. They are incredibly smart animals and they seem to be very protective of humans. There is NO danger there what so ever. These animals have feelings just like ours. We need to do everything we can to stop the capturing of whales for theme parks and other type places that like to show them off. Its cruel and its wrong to rip these animals from there pods. We are learning so much about these animals that we never new before and its absolutely incredible. Did you know that there is an ORCA that actually copy human voices? That's right! Its unbelievable. So protect these creatures because there is something magical happening.

[@noneofyourbeeswax01]

Well, what are the options here? I'd suggest such action could be playing, helping or attacking. The last I think we can rule out simply because were it attacking the woman would be dead. Whales have been seen playing with bottlenose dolphins who lie on their heads, the whale gently lifts its head from the water and the dolphin has a fun slide down its back into the water. They do this repeatedly, but without the diver making any playlike moves I think it probably wasn't play, so some kind of assistance I think would be more likely. Whatever the cause it was an intriguing encounter.

[@golden4869]

Absolutely amazing 👍😍

[@dianeclaudio2955]

Gave me chills...

[@jamiereilley9145]

I love people who love animals.