National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen was tasked with filming predators in the Zodiac in Antarctica. As soon as he arrived, he found himself face-to-face with a huge female leopard seal. He feared for his life, but those fears were soon discovered to be unfounded. Instead of seeing him as a threat, the leopard seal saw him as someone that needed taking care of and she soon tried to take him under her wing.
This behavior seems peculiar considering leopard seals are known for being fierce predators. They hunt and attack their pray with strong jaws and long, sharp teeth. Though this seal seemed to initially want to eat him, she quickly changed her attitude towards him. She doesn't appear to feel any compassion for the penguins she brings him, so it brings to question what her motives for helping him are. Regardless of any clear conclusion, this encounter seems to show that these huge and fierce animals are capable of more compassion than we may realize.
This is only one of many interesting encounters Nick has had with wildlife in the Arctic and it is moments like this that help him further his goal towards environment conservation and animal protection. He can take interactions like this and talk about them to people during the different presentations he does on behalf of National Geographic. Instead of just seeing fierce predators, people can become familiar with the softer side of animals and sway them towards actually seeking ways to protect them and the places they live.
You really need to see this video to believe someone was able to get this close to an animal such as this and walk away with an amazing story to tell.
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