Audio By Carbonatix
There’s a difficult rule that nature documentarians often follow: Whatever you do, don’t interfere. In most cases, this makes sense. Nature documentarians want to show the world for what it is, and any interference from humans will distort and complicate that vision. On the other hand, actually stopping yourself from interfering can be pretty difficult—especially if the subject you’re covering is in danger.
For example, back in 2018, critics were upset by an episode of the BBC series called “Dynasties” because the crew decided to help out a group of penguins that had become stuck in a ravine.
Luckily, TikTok user Brittany (@blamb93) didn’t have to make such a difficult decision. But she certainly came close.
What Did This Woman See While Boating?
In a video with over 49 million views, Brittany shows the ocean. But after a few seconds, a creature emerges. Soon, it becomes clear that a juvenile harbor seal has taken refuge on their boat.
While Brittany and the rest of the boaters are both excited and confused by this development, it soon becomes clear why the seal has landed upon the boat. Two orcas make their presence known nearby. It’s likely that the seal hopped onto the boat to escape being eaten by them.
“He’s like, ‘You guys could drive away and help me!’” someone on the boat says. Various boat members comment on the creature’s eyes, which appear to express worry. All the while, the killer whales continue to circle the boat.
According to one of the workers on the boat, such interactions with seals are relatively rare. The worker claims to have never experienced such behavior after 8 years in the industry.
In a second video, Brittany shows that the seal survived the encounter, returning to the water once the boat began moving again.
Orcas And Seals
Killer whales are apex predators, meaning that there’s no animal that hunts them. In general, however, they don’t always go after seals. Instead, their diet consists largely of fish and squid.
That said, they’ve been known to attack and eat seals, birds, and even other whales.
Not only that, but Brittany is lucky that the orcas didn’t decide to go after the boat she was riding on. There are numerous documented cases of killer whales deciding to attack boats. One crew in the Strait of Gibraltar reported that an orca spent 45 minutes smashing into their boat, eventually causing it to sink upon entering the port.
Commenters Are Divided
In the comments section, some users were divided. Many celebrated the fact that Brittany and her boat were able to be a place of refuge for the seal. Others claimed that they were interfering with the natural cycle of life or that they could have deprived the orcas of a meal.
“My toxic trait is taking the seal home and giving it a better life then I ever had,” wrote a user.
“Poor orcas. Now they are hungry,” offered another.
“I don’t like the circle of life,” declared a third.
“I hate that seals are prey .. they’re like so cute,” exclaimed a further TikToker.
BroBible reached out to Brittany via TikTok direct message and comment.
Content shared from brobible.com.