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Off the Leash Off the Leash

Divers save dolphin in Hawaii

Smart dolphin seeks out human help.

By Vetstreet Jan 23, 2013 3:33PM

During a night dive in Hawaii on Jan. 11, a group of divers was expecting to see dozens of manta rays, but instead, they had an amazing encounter with a dolphin in need of help.

Photo: CBS News / A dolphin sought help from a diver when he was tangled in fishing line.The experienced divers could see that the dolphin was under stress and had a fishing line wrapped around his left fin — and was approaching the humans for help.

“I gestured with my index finger, come here, and he swam right up to me,” said Keller Laros, the founder of Manta Pacific Research Foundation. “The fact that he recognized my gesture, that blew me away.”

The dolphin let Laros cut the line with a tool he had, even turning over to help him out. He then swam to the surface for air, and came right back to let Laros finish the job of untangling him before swimming away.

Bing: Funny dolphin videos

“That was just amazing to think that that animal is that smart,” Laros said.

— Watch it at CBS News

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Photo: CBS News / A dolphin sought help from a diver when he was tangled in fishing line.

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