Sea Lion That Became an Attraction in Ipanema Returns to the Sea

After spending two days enchanting locals and tourists at Ipanema Beach, in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone, a young sea lion decided to resume its journey on the morning of Friday (20). The animal, affectionately nicknamed Joaquim or Joca by the biologists monitoring it, dove into the water and has not been spotted since.

According to veterinarian Yasmin Siqueira, who participated in the monitoring operation, Joca entered the sea several times before definitively leaving.
“He dove a few times and always came back within sight. Around 11 or 11:30 a.m., he went into the sea and continued on his way. Since then, he hasn’t returned. We remain on alert, along with lifeguards and the environmental patrol, in case there are any updates about him,” the specialist explained.

An Unexpected Visitor

On Thursday (19), Joca had already taken a swim in the sea but stayed close to the beach, returning to rest on the sand. His presence at the bustling Rio beach was surprising, as the migration of sea lions from the cold southern waters of the continent is uncommon at this time of year.

The animal, identified as a young male, sparked curiosity and affection among those who had the chance to see him up close. While in Ipanema, he was cared for and monitored to ensure his safety and well-being until he continued on his natural path.

The sighting highlights the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring that migratory animals can travel safely, even in busy urban areas.

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