Photo: Stan Shebs Vancouver Aquarium
According to TreeHugger (link below), a young Chinese diver named Yang Yun was struggling for air during a free-dive competition at the Polar Land Aquarium in Harbin, China and subsequently saved by the efforts of a beluga whale known as Mila.
Yang Yun was diving inside the icy waters of Mila's tank as part of a contest to land a job training whales. The extreme cold caused Yang Yun's legs to cramp and she was unable to take herself to the surface for air. Mila seemed to sense Yang Yun needed help. The white whale held onto Yang Yun's leg and pushed her to the surface of the large aquarium tank saving the diver from an unpleasant ending.
Among the daily news stories of criminal activities and political clashes, this particular story stands out as wonderfully heartwarming. We love hearing stories about animals rescuing humans or other animals as well as stories about humans rescuing animals or other people. It's easy to get the impression that these stories are unique and uncommon events.
Fortunately, good things happen all the time. Each and every day there are a multitude of selfless, kind, and compassionate acts taking place around our world by humans and animals alike: in small villages, rainforests, oceans, large cities, deserts, mountains, indeed everywhere.
We can watch news programs and perceive this world as a depressing, frightening, and horrible place or we can choose to remember, see, and hear the greater good. Better yet, we can create a brighter world by our own kind words and deeds. Each day brings it's own opportunities.
Peace to all
TreeHugger has some footage you may like to watch: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/amazing-beluga-whale-rescues-diver.php?campaign=w01-101-ae-0004
Comments
Actually, we cannot impute a motive or sympathy to this dumb beast and still practice anything resembling "science." To do so would be utterly anthropomorphic! Belugas are savage killers, ask any squid!
Leading authorities on marine mammals are unanimously of the opinion that they have no way of knowing whether we breathe air or water. They simply like to push things around to play with them – before they eat them.
So it is purely chance that the whale happened to push the woman up, where she was rescued, than down, where she would have drowned.
Now let's stop all that "sympathy" nonsense, shall we? That beluga is no more intelligent than a sheep, an opossum or a neoconservative talk radio host.
Hi Malcolm,
Thank you for your clear, well-worded comments. I agree with much of what you said although marine mammals like Belugas are far more intellient than domestic sheep.
The story was taken from the stand-point of looking at captive Belugas who are known to develop close relationships with humans who work with them. As belugas surface for air and as there is an association between human trainers/keepers above the surface, there exists the possibility that the animal was placing the human back into this place of association or experience.
You're right Malcolm, we'll never know for sure. Behaviors seen in captivity may reflect natural tendencies found in the wild or they may be conditioned through human contact.
Thank you again for writing in. I appreciate your viewpoint. These are interesting discussions to have.
Malcom,
Why do you have to be such a kill joy, a Debbie Downer? Can't we just have our uplifting story of the day without having you rip it apart? What did I expect? There's always someone like you lurking around. Regardless of the actual reason why the Beluga saved her life or in your argument, pushed her around before eating her, it was nice to read something pleasant for once instead of the normal tradgic depressing news we are bombarded with everyday.
Tori,
Love your response. Beautifully written. I would have just told him to go stuff his negative energy somewhere else myself.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!