I like to think I’ve been able to get up close and personal to a few animals in my time. I’ve been able to snuggle a koala, hold a sloth, pet a lemur, and touch a snake. Not too shabby for someone whose job isn’t to travel and meet animals.
But this journalist, whose job it is to get up close to creatures in remote parts of the world, was even a little blown away by this moment captured on film. That just goes to show how remarkable his encounter really is.
Charlie Bird is traveling through Antarctica and documenting his experiences, but even more interesting is that the intrepid reporter isn’t just gallivanting along. He’s following the route of explorer Tom Crean. What makes this even more noteworthy is that this is specifically the explorer’s final expedition alongside Ernest Shackleton, aboard the Endurance in 1914-1915. These two men are known for making adventure their priority, risking their lives to discover and learn more about the unchartered territory in the north. Oh and the ship, Endurance? It was crushed by ice. Talk about being fearless!
And so, in their footsteps, Charlie is en route, except his quest is a little more lighthearted, and he’s making all sorts of friends along the way. The video opens to Charlie resting on his knees on a black sand beach near the water’s edge. It looks cold. He’s wearing full-on outdoor gear and holding a high-end camera. Not even a foot away, Charlie’s large friend is lying down, wiggling in the sand.
It’s a seal pup, which by the way is still pretty big for a baby. It’s the pup of an elephant seal, and the adorable creature is very friendly. In the next scene, the journalist is lying down, and the pup is literally on top of him, reaching over to try to take the camera. Seconds later, another one hobbles over and now he’s got two seal pups on top of him! The man can’t stop laughing as his new friends use him as a couch. “I’ve done some difficult things in my life as a journalist, but this must be one of the most remarkable things that I’ve ever done in my life.”
It’s so adorable! The elephant pups just want to play and don’t realize how heavy they are. But, Charlie is a good sport and doesn’t seem to mind too much! What an incredible moment he’ll remember all his life.
Click below to watch this once in a lifetime opportunity to hang out with fun lovin’ elephant seal pups!
