Heartwarming Reunion with Ariel the Sperm Whale

If you've ever considered that sperm whales are capable of remembering and recognizing humans, this clip will be of interest. I met Ariel in 2018 when she was just a few months old, and spent time in the water with her again in 2019. She was animated, engaging, and amusing during our encounters and made a deep, lasting impression in my heart and mind.

Due to covid I was unable to travel to Dominica in 2020 for my annual project and I was curious as to whether she would remember me after two years. The following is what happened when we saw each other again in 2021. While I hesitate to anthropomorphize, it's difficult to believe that she did not demonstrate an unusual warmth and implied recognition of me as seen in this interaction.

Please understand how honored and humbled I was as result of this experience. There is no guarantee that we will see the same whales or social groups each year during the time we are working under permit to enter the water with the whales, nor are high-quality encounters ever assured. This was an extremely fortunate and beautiful encounter.

You can learn more about Ariel on my website: @ariel-2018/

[UfoEditzzz]

SCANNING, SCANNING, SCANNING, SCANNING, FRIENDLY MODE ENGAGED!

[PreHistX]

She’s adorable, big ol submarine doggy.

[Acemethyst]

These whales recognize your beautiful soul because they have beautiful souls too... how sweet she was, as if she was saying "hello my friend! I'm so pleased to see you, let's spend a moment catching up!"

[mattstudios]

Whales are sentient, when it looks at you, it’s thinking about you. If you swim if if enough, it can remember you.

[UfoEditzzz]

Ariel be like: Hol on, who tf are you?

You: Hi! 👋

Ariel: NO FRIGGIN WAY SUSANNN

[JohnJones-kd]

You win the internet today with this.
Coolest thing i have seen in a long time, what an amazing experience.

[Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Such a magnificent, beautiful, intelligent creature.

[russellvonastel]

I have dived in every ocean on this planer, even made friends with a huge manta ray i named carpet, but this is on another level, I'm jealous

[AcroNix_BLue]

how cuuute so adorable she remembered her🥰

[jsparent]

Absolutely amazing, thank you for this video.

[Cheez_Doodlezz]

0:41 those giggles of pure happiness and joy

[bobpage]

I've always marvelled at the Sperm Whales - they're simply magnificent creatures. I see a video like this and can only imagine what the experience must be like. If I was ever fortunate enough to dive/swim with Sperm Whales I would consider it an absolute privilege. It would be one of the best 'living in the moment' experiences, no doubt!

[mtvs]

I have been playing my flute to the humpback whales on their migration southwards along the east coast of Australia. I have had close encounters with these curious magestic beings and I have no doubt of their intelligence and ability to commune with us. Thank you so very much for sharing this beautiful moment of connection .

[NBDY_SPCL]

❤ Thank you for sharing this beautiful moment with this intelligent and curious creature.

[BlessTheUS]

The sheer balls to be swimming with a creature that big

[TheHiddenNarrative]

The rippling light on the whale's bodies looks so entrancing.

[prairierider]

You are exceptionally blessed as are we for your uploads. Thank you

[thatgnaralooguy]

Can't help but laugh with you during this one. Very cute little girl.

[miladyblue]

"Your face seems familiar, yet... Oh, yeah! You're the diver lady who used to visit all the time! Where have you been?"

[MamaEtna]

Aaww! Her eyes really get me. Soo expressive. Of course she would remember you. She has more brains than an elephant.