Beluga whale filmed playing 'fetch' with Rugby World Cup ball

A beluga whale has been filmed playing ‘fetch’ with with an official 2019 Rugby World Cup ball near the Arctic Pole. A group of South African rugby fans can be seen throwing the ball out into the ocean. The whale chases the ball, before returning it to the men on the boat.

The Guardian YouTube network:

[Fat_Rucker]

"heres your ball human, be careful not to lose it again."

[sapphirelight]

That he knows how to let it go close enough to the boat so that they can grab it, and he's so gentle...amazingly intelligent.

[yl]

Whale: stop littering! This is not a game.
Human: This whale is so cute. It knows how to fetch.

[tmoss]

They're literally like water dogs. It's weird how smart they are and how they naturally get on with humans

[SAJV]

Beluga: "Please, don't throw plastic in the ocean. So take it back with you..."

[fredhoy]

That is insane. Not trained, not domesticated but still knows what to do. Cool.

[kjetilknyttnev]

Opposing thumbs makes us believe we are the only intelligent species on the planet.
Whales, beluga in particular, have a massive brain. They are highly intelligent, and have the full spectrum of emotions any human will have. They have complicated language, and for all we know they might be philosophizing, have spirituality and very complex thoughts.

[lavenderandgold]

my mental health has been awful lately but this actually brought tears of joy to my eyes. i love animals

[LeticiaSPandaMcfly]

They are so smart! There’s a video where a guy accidentally drops his GoPro and a beluga brought it back up to him.

[rochellewillox]

Belugas are the most magical! We need to keep our seas safe for all its magical creatures

[mariskad]

Beluga whales are my favorite! They have got that smiley faces that shine optimisim, kindness, and happiness ❤

[Ayush_]

Maybe he’s just trying to say “keep your trash with you”

[angelboucher]

How is this possible....it’s so wonderful that you can interact like that....see animals are so very special

[elsainnamorato]

He's so cute! Thank you for giving this animal attention happiness and play time.

[aditikulkarni]

This is one of the most fascinating things I have ever seen in my life. Thank you for this wonderful experience :)

[chill]

i cant believe a beluga whale is filming this lmao

[hopeful_krystal]

imagine if he took the ball and never came back 😂

[Hitech]

He had been in a Bay in Norway. They taught him to hunt and catch bait fish. They hadn't seen him in over 6 months. I hope its him and he is exploring his new tank( the oceans of the world).
Live long Hvaldimir..💕

[reneehughes]

Belgua whales are my favorite wild animals. They're so beautiful. I've seen several specials that they're very friendly and love humans.

[thejojobaggins]

Man: "Aww look how he fetches the ball~ imma throw it again"
Beluga: "DUDE. STOP. LITTERING."