Hmmm...thinking it's real. Unfortunately, I have run into people creatures like that before. To me its behavior was so spot on that it was either real or an Oscar-worthy performance. Also, its female companion sounded like she was reacting to its plight in a genuine fashion. It didn't sound like she was acting to me.
ETA: Just had a thought. Is this how our Dear Leader would behave if his kayak were sinking and he didn't have the SS around to help him?