There are both pros and cons to keeping animals in captivity. While keeping animals locked away in a cage or tank might seem in counterbalance to their life as animals in the wild, it does provide an opportunity for people to learn more about a species.

Plus, in many cases, animals can be the cutest things ever, as shown in one video.

Animals on display

The video, which has over 10.6 million views on YouTube features beluga whales and other sea creatures and their funny antics as they react to the humans watching them. Given that these animals are in captivity probably accounts for their often-hilarious reactions to the humans that they encounter.

The human-animal connection

For example, in some cases, it is hard to tell who is mimicking who, the animals, or the humans. It would seem that is the case of a boy and an eel in the video. The eel is just doing what it normally does while the kid watching it is mimicking its actions.

In another part of the video, a girl is waving something in front of the glass surface of the tank. Inside the tank, a penguin is moving back and forth in time to her movements. Before too long, the penguin is joined by another penguin and both of them begin to follow along.

The interaction between the kids and the sea life in the video is hilarious. It’s almost as if the sea life is on the same wavelength as the kids, responding in a variety of surprising ways. Chances are this is all taught behavior and a result of contact with humans being normalized, but it is funny all the same.

A Beluga whale steals the show

The best part of the video is when a young boy starts doing tricks in front of a beluga whale tank. Inside the tank, a beluga whale watches the boy doing cartwheels.

The whale can’t seem to get enough, watching the boy intently. The whale seems so happy to see the tricks that the boy is performing.

The beluga whale watches on in amazement

The highlight of the whole encounter is the look of surprise and amazement on the beluga whale’s face. It is almost as if the whale can’t handle the talented child’s abilities.

A reminder of the wonder of animals

The video is a great reminder of how special animals are and how they can connect with kids, in both a scary and fascinating way. And while one could argue that animals in captivity belong in the wild and not in an enclosure, their presence has captivated and educated kids around the world.

For more hilarious encounters between kids and animals, watch the video below.

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Sources: YouTube – Kyoot, Worldwildlife.org