National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen is known for his stunning wildlife photos like these ones below.
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
When he was assigned to photograph wildlife in Antarctica, he didn’t hesitate to go.
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
When he got there, he decided to take snapshots of seals. He jumped into the water and this gigantic leopard seal swam up to him.
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
Paul thought at first that the seal will attack him and he’s probably going to die. But instead of swimming to safety, he waited (shaking) for the seal to approach and see what would happen next…
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
What happened next surprised Paul.
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
The seal seemed to appear feeling sorry for him, probably thinking he’s a helpless, hungry creature looking for food.
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
So the huge seal brought him something to eat. Paul, of course, declined the offer.
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
For four days photographing in the area, the seal continued to bring him food because she probably didn’t want him, a helpless animal, to starve to death.
Paul Nicklen / National Geographic
Watch this video with Paul Nicklen describing his most amazing experience coming face-to-face with one of Antarctica’s most vicious predators.