ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Environment → Animals

Leopard seal gets up close and personal with a National Geographic photographer, tries to feed him for 4 days

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
April 9, 2014 - Updated on April 28, 2023
in Animals
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

While documenting leopard seals in Antarctica for a 2006 National Geographic magazine story, photographer Paul Nicklen had a truly fantastic experience, which he documents in the video below. Seriously, watch the video – it will blow your mind!

Make no mistake – leopard seals are remarkable predators! They’re pretty much on top of the food chain, as the only creatures which eat leopard seals are killer whales, but that happens extremely rarely. It’s easy to lose it when standing face to face with this cute looking but extremely dangerous predator, measuring 3 meters or more and weighing over half a ton.

“Leopard seals are the most incredible animals I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing,” he said. “When you get in the water with a wild animal, you’re essentially giving yourself to that animal because, as humans, we’re quite helpless and vulnerable in the water. You’re at the seal’s mercy. You’re at the predator’s mercy.

RelatedPosts

ChatGPT launched just a week ago and rocked the world. Here’s what you need to know about it
Climate change is affecting coral’s spawning synchrony
Workaholism – a new dangerous addiction?
Support gets you to start working out but competition powers you to the end, study finds

But there are many things we don’t understand about leopard seals. Is this standard behavior, would every other (female) seal try to adopt and feed the human? Or was Nicklen extremely lucky? We don’t know.

“Not only did the leopard seals not attack as some predicted they would, they fed me penguins, followed me around, and generally put on a nonstop show.”

Via National Geographic.

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

Physics

The Moon Used to Be Much Closer to Earth. It’s Drifting 1.5 Inches Farther From Earth Every Year and It’s Slowly Making Our Days Longer

byStephen DiKerby
33 minutes ago
Astronomy

A Long Skinny Rectangular Telescope Could Succeed Where the James Webb Fails and Uncover Habitable Worlds Nearby

byTudor Tarita
1 hour ago
News

Scientists Found That Bending Ice Makes Electricity and It May Explain Lightning

byTudor Tarita
4 hours ago
A photo showing multiple brain scans.
Health

The Crystal Behind Next Gen Solar Panels May Transform Cancer and Heart Disease Scans

byRupendra Brahambhatt
4 hours ago

Recent news

The Moon Used to Be Much Closer to Earth. It’s Drifting 1.5 Inches Farther From Earth Every Year and It’s Slowly Making Our Days Longer

September 15, 2025

A Long Skinny Rectangular Telescope Could Succeed Where the James Webb Fails and Uncover Habitable Worlds Nearby

September 15, 2025

Scientists Found That Bending Ice Makes Electricity and It May Explain Lightning

September 15, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.