Seal waits for his friend to be freed from fishing net before they swim back to the ocean together

Human intervention has been extensively affecting our marine ecosystem, leading to significant loss of biodiversity and increasing global warming. Industrial fishing methods such as bottom trawling, discharge of non-biodegradable and chemical wastes into water bodies, oil spills, etc., have exploited marine life beyond repair. Now, according to a shocking report by Marine Biodiversity and Sustainability, an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans annually. Besides, a majority of fishing nets, made up of synthetic materials, trap sea creatures, putting them in a lethal situation. A similar distressing situation unfolded when an anonymous individual (u/zzill6 on Reddit) shared a video of two seals stuck in a giant fishing net on a seashore. 

Fortunately, unlike countless marine species, these seals were rescued by two kind men who untangled them from the deadly trap, releasing them back into the ocean. Using a utility knife, the man gently freed the innocent creatures while the other held them, as if to reassure them that they were in safe hands. Interestingly, when the first seal was untangled, he quickly waddled his way toward the ocean, just to stop midway, like he was waiting for his friend. It was only when the other seal was finally unleashed from the plastic net that the pair went into the ocean, proving how emotionally intelligent animals are.

While this story highlights the remarkable companionship shown by the seals, a fascinating report underlines another trait about these creatures. Notably, seals, as per Deep Sea World, mostly live in colonies and are social creatures who form close-knit relationships to escape the risk of getting killed in isolation. Further, while the report says they are not generally aggressive, some might exhibit aggressive behavior, particularly towards humans, when they feel threatened.

Meanwhile, the wholesome seal rescue video received an outpouring of love on social media, overwhelming people with the seals' camaraderie. Echoing the sentiments, u/annestaciaxo commented, "Animals being better friends than most humans. Love this!" Similarly, another user who goes by u/purelypretty on Reddit said, "Absolutely! The loyalty and compassion animals show never cease to amaze me. This was such a beautiful moment!" u/greggaravani pointed out, "Fishing nets are responsible for more than 80% of the plastics in the ocean. These poor creatures suffer so much because people choose to eat fish and other sea life. Animals deserve better." u/afiqdanialll wrote, "That’s a beautiful and emotionally resonant scene — simple, yet powerful. It suggests loyalty, empathy, and a bond that transcends instinct or self-preservation."

On the other hand, u/dentedpat pointed out, "What makes this interesting to me is that the first sea lion seems to understand what those two guys are doing. It understands that his companion is going to be released from the net, too. So it knows that it was being helped. And if they are capable of thoughts that sophisticated, capable of understanding that human beings have goals and that they are somewhat helpful, it makes me wonder what they think of us in general. Are there sea creatures swimming around thinking about the land angels that, on rare occasions, find them and rescue them, not knowing that most of what we rescue them from are dangers of our own creation?"