It is Different From the Common Use of the Term.
Both Gary and his colleague concurred that the most prudent thing to do at this juncture would be to hand control of the scenario over to the seals and see how they react. As the seal placed its head and neck on his shoulders, he maintained his composure and continued to stand still.
This was hardly what one would expect to happen. When it comes to encounters between humans and wildlife, Gary and his diving buddy’s encounter with a seal was an unusual occurrence that deviated from the norm. In order for a wild seal to connect with a person on such a deep and personal level, it usually requires several days of interaction and the gradual establishment of trust.