Like a puppy dog he rolled over and over with joyful abandon. You could almost feel the whale speak, ‘scratch my belly’.

There was absolutely no doubt that he loved our attention and we all loved his even if it was a little scary and intimidating at times.

Our experience with George off the island group of Vava’u in Tonga was the most extraordinary privilege and something I will never forget.

I hope someday I get the chance to come back here and scratch George’s belly again.

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘Scratch My Belly’ 1/640s f/7.1 ISO160 15mm