Sperm Whale Zoomies

SPERM WHALE 'ZOOMIES' LEAVE SWIMMERS FEELING LIKE HUMAN BOWLING PINS

WITH PIX AND VID

BY SHUK YEE TSANG AND MIKEY JONES

A pair of ocean enthusiasts were left stunned after encountering unusually playful young sperm whales that repeatedly charged towards them at speed, giving the giant marine mammals a serious case of the "zoomies".

The remarkable footage was filmed by Lorien Cleavinger, 48, and Robert "Robby" Melville, 41, from Lothian, United States, while swimming alongside a pod of sperm whales in the Indian Ocean.

The videos show one particularly energetic youngster repeatedly beelining towards the pair before veering away at the last moment, while maintaining intense eye contact.

Despite their playful behaviour, the whales were powerful enough to physically move the swimmers through the water.

Lorien said: "We've never experienced such playful sperm whales. The first day one came flying toward us we were shocked. Almost alarmed because it was so unexpected.

"There are a few playful babies and even though they are babies and small compared to adults, they are still six to seven metres and weigh four to six tons.

"We sort of felt like bowling pins when they'd come at us.

One commenter wrote: "Wildlife experts: 'Do not approach wild animals.' The animals: 'Imma play with the human!'"

Another said: "Baby talk is the same in every language."

ENDS