When Olivia Walsh posed for a photo with her boyfriend, Gavin Hulberg, at the Georgia Aquarium’s beluga whale exhibit, she thought she was just capturing a sweet moment. Instead, she found herself in the middle of a scene that would soon go viral—thanks to a jaw-dropping guest appearance.
Gavin, with help from aquarium staff, had secretly planned to propose right in front of the tank. As he got down on one knee, a beluga whale named Qinu swam into view. The 16-year-old marine mammal paused at the glass and appeared to drop her jaw in shock. The moment was caught on video, and Olivia later shared it on TikTok with the caption:
“The most perfect proposal I could've asked for.”
— Olivia Walsh on TikTok
It didn’t take long for the internet to fall in love with the scene.
-"Even the beluga was shocked!"
"The beluga NEEDS to officiate the wedding now."
"The beluga: .O"
Viewers across TikTok and Instagram jumped into the comments with jokes, tears, and their own interpretations of Qinu’s wide-eyed reaction. Play-Doh’s official account even chimed in: “Beluga has to be invited to the wedding.”
A Beluga whale smiles for the cameraCanva
According to People, which first reported the story, Qinu’s involvement wasn’t staged. Katie Lorenz, the associate curator of mammals and birds at the Georgia Aquarium, confirmed that her reaction was natural:
“Qinu’s behavior at the window was her own—she was not intentionally trained to have any type of ‘reaction.’”
— Katie Lorenz, Georgia Aquarium
Beluga whale frolickingCanva
That made it even more special for Olivia, who happens to have been a beluga whale training intern at the aquarium for the past three months. In a TikTok reply, she shared:
“My fiancé is the most thoughtful person!! He knows how much I’ve loved working with the whales & truly made it the most special moment.”
— Olivia Walsh on TikTok
Of course, any video involving animals in captivity tends to spark a broader conversation. While many celebrated the moment, some commenters on Instagram questioned the ethics of keeping animals like Qinu in aquariums:
“So wrong to keep a magnificent animal like that in a tank… shame!!!”
— @alinasaballos on Instagram
“Nothing cute or adorable about these sentient creatures being kept confined in glass houses for human amusement.”
— @naturaleclectic on Instagram
Aquariums aren't popular with everyoneCanva
But for most, the overwhelming reaction was one of joy. The video has racked up more than 7 million views, and Qinu has unofficially become the most beloved wedding crasher on the internet.
Her newfound fame has also boosted interest in the Georgia Aquarium. Fans can watch Qinu on the aquarium’s live beluga cam and catch behind-the-scenes clips on their social media.
A Beluga whale pops up to say helloCanva
As for Olivia and Gavin, they now have the perfect proposal story—complete with an unexpected witness who just might get a seat at the wedding.
This article originally appeared earlier this year.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.