Nick Nonnenmacher '21

Perspective [ A - Side ]

What is it about wild animals looking you in the eye that stops your heart?

I remember when I was helping conduct a coral cover survey just beyond the reef break. The tropical sun beat hard, and reminded me I was very far from home. Then, as I paddled, the bottom dropped away into a massive patch of sand—an oasis of clear blue-green water surrounded by monoliths of bright coral.

I only saw the first turtle for a moment. I turned my head, and watched the graceful shell of a second fade into aqua. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth introduced themselves briefly as I glided among coral towers and above sandy expanses. A gentle current guided me around the reef and brought all of its residents to life. Swaying corals and sweeping across the sand, a breath of wind through the bright green leaves I was familiar with. I lost count at some point—my boss had never seen so many in one cove. “This one, Nick, this one can be a secret!” she exclaimed over the crashing waves a few meters out.

On my final survey, I rounded a coral tower to find this turtle. Instead of darting away, it slowly maneuvered its fins and let the current drift it closer to me. Its eyes were wide open, and my heart stopped. It floated, gently, curiously, until its flipper could have brushed my finger, and then in one swift and elegant motion it was gone. I remained, drifting, lost in the waves and its eyes.

What is it about wild animals looking you in the eye that stops your heart?

Words & Photo by Nick Nonnenmacher '21