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What It's Like to be Surrounded by Whales
Clip: Season 42 Episode 12 | 1m 41sVideo has Closed Captions
Can you imagine being surrounded by whales?
In a once-in-a-lifetime moment, cinematographer Patrick Dykstra finds himself in the embrace of a group of sperm whales.
Major support for NATURE is provided by The Arnhold Family in memory of Henry and Clarisse Arnhold, The Fairweather Foundation, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, Kathy...
![Nature](https://image.pbs.org/contentchannels/sgZceVW-white-logo-41-ZMqyFVU.png?format=webp&resize=200x)
What It's Like to be Surrounded by Whales
Clip: Season 42 Episode 12 | 1m 41sVideo has Closed Captions
In a once-in-a-lifetime moment, cinematographer Patrick Dykstra finds himself in the embrace of a group of sperm whales.
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Bring the beauty and wonders of wildlife and natural history into your home with classic NATURE episodes.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(music) (bubbles gurgling) - After several days, we found this huge number of sounds, and then eventually we arrived and could see... could see why.
(music) (water whooshing) There was at least 15 whales in a full, super socialization, rolling and clicking, and some vertical.
It was one of the most amazing things I'd ever seen.
(whales clicking) (bubbles gurgling) At some point I realized, I don't know if I drifted towards them, or they drifted towards me, but all of their heads were together in the center, and then I was in their socialization.
(music) (ocean whooshing) (whales clicking) The bodies of the sperm whales are on both sides, and the tails are way back there.
And, you know, this is something completely different, this is like being invited into the most intimate family reunion.
(music) (water gurgling) (whales clicking) To be accepted into this family, it's an incredibly emotional experience.
(music continues) (whales clicking) I wonder if it's them trying to show me what that bond is, and what that feeling is.
In that moment, I became the tag.
(bubbles gurgling) (whales chittering) (water whooshing)
Video has Closed Captions
Witness the first encounter between Patrick and a sperm whale he names “Dolores.” (2m 38s)
Preview of Patrick and the Whale
Video has Closed Captions
Patrick Dykstra has a life-changing encounter with a sperm whale and uncovers their world. (30s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipMajor support for NATURE is provided by The Arnhold Family in memory of Henry and Clarisse Arnhold, The Fairweather Foundation, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, Kathy...