Whale enthusiast Adam Ernster had a dream come true during his expedition in Baja, Mexico, where he got the opportunity to directly express his love for these majestic creatures. After years of observing whales from afar, Ernster finally had a close encounter with Margarita, a blissful blue gentle giant.
A video posted on Instagram by Silver Shark Adventures, a whale-watching company, captured the heartwarming moment when Ernster could pet, hug, and even kiss the whale. Margarita seemed to enjoy the experience as much as he did, emitting happy noises throughout the encounter.
The caption accompanying the video described Ernster’s joy and referred to Margarita as one of the friendliest whales encountered on their adventures with grey whales. Even after the initial interaction, Margarita returned for more attention, surprising Ernster and leaving him visibly moved. Another angle from the moment, shared on Reddit, featured the whale’s unique noises, resembling a “cetacean purr.”
Ernster, an experienced whale videographer, documented the encounter in a longer video on YouTube. Reflecting on the experience, he highlighted the contrast between the present and the past, where whales were hunted near extinction.
Today, they exhibit curiosity and friendliness towards humans, thanks to conservation efforts and regulated experiences. Ernster emphasized the importance of protecting whale habitats and promoting public awareness of their beauty and conservation needs.
In addition to his personal experience, Ernster expressed gratitude for witnessing others connect with whales and the natural world. He acknowledged the privilege of being surrounded by wildlife and the impact of people from diverse backgrounds traveling to experience these connections. Ernster’s passion for whales and his hope for a brighter future were evident in his Instagram post.
According to the National Ocean Service, whales use sounds to communicate, find food, and locate one another. Clicks, whistles, and pulsed calls are the main types of sounds they produce. Whistles and pulsed calls are particularly used during social interactions, emitting squeaks, screams, and squawks audible to humans. Furthermore, research has shown that happy dolphins and beluga whales make child-like “victory squeals” or noises, highlighting their emotional state.