Rick Anderson, the scuba diver, has over 27 years of experience instructing diving students underwater. He’s well-acquainted with the true sensation of diving in the deep ocean. But what sets him apart is the extraordinary bond he shares with a female shark he encountered years ago, a Port Jackson puppy who gradually became his buddy.
Their friendship began with gentle pats from Rick when the shark was just a young pup. As the years passed, she recognized him and would eagerly swim up to offer affection, a unique display of companionship between a two-legged land creature and a shark.
Now, when she spots him, she gracefully approaches, weaving between his legs and circling around until he acknowledges her. It’s a relationship that’s almost too incredible to believe, and even Rick’s fellow scuba diver friends struggle to accept it, especially when they witness these two best friends in action.
More Details: Rick’s Dive School | Facebook (h/t: thedodo)
Rick Anderson is an Australian who considers a female Port Jackson shark to be a buddy.
He claims that anytime he sees him, she comes over and cuddles him.
“I started playing with her about seven years ago when she was just a pup about six inches long.”
“I approached her carefully so as not to spook her, then began to gently pat her.”
“I would cradle her in my hand and talk soothingly to her through my regulator.”
“Over the following seasons, she’d recognize me and would swim up to me for a pat and cuddle.”
“She will… tap me on the legs until I hold my arms out for her to lay on for a cuddle.”
“I don’t feed her or any of the other sharks I play with- I basically treat them like I would a dog.
