Scott Portelli captured this magical moment in Vava’u, in the Kingdom of Tonga. We spent maybe an hour with this Mum and calf, they were incredibly relaxed, hanging at the surface to breathe then cruising down below, barely moving, allowing us to swim with them.
The calf would frequently come and play with us on the surface, rolling and twirling, curious and intriguing. Mum would occasionally join us, floating on the surface, eye-to-eye with us.
Getting in the water with these incredible beings, seeing into their eyes, and seeing them look back into yours, is indescribable. I hope that everyone can experience something like this in their lives – a connection. And I also hope it inspires them, like it inspired me, to do what they can to protect these amazing animals and this ocean planet that we share.
Photo by Scott Portelli
Story by Alice
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