02/10/2025
Marine scientist Nan Hauser was filming humpback whales in the Cook Islands in 2017 when one whale began pushing her through the water for over seven minutes.
Initially confused, she realized an 18-foot tiger shark in attack mode was approaching. The whale positioned her on its head and transported her safely back to the boat, away from the shark.
Hauser believes the whale displayed altruistic behavior by protecting her from danger. Over a year later, she reunited with the same whale, recognizing it by distinctive markings. The encounter was captured on video and widely shared online.