Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is familiar to many people around the world with his image of a powerful person.
But the Judo black belt who last year shot a tiger, recently demonstrated his softer side by donning a wet suit and tagging a whale all in the name of scientific research.
During a trip to Russia's Far East, Putin waded into the Pacific Ocean and attached a satellite tracking tag to a Beluga whale named Dasha, as scientists looked on.
Putin attached the device, as the whale was held in place by a net. The Prime Minister patted Dasha, saying "don't be angry". And he then helped scientists release her.
(CCTV August 4, 2009)
