Elephant seal draws crowds on Rio's Copacabana beach

A southern elephant seal has turned up unexpectedly on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, choosing to rest on the sand. The animal quickly caught the attention of beachgoers, many of whom stopped to watch it and take photos.

To protect the marine mammal, a barrier was placed around it. Signs ask people to keep their distance while the seal lounges on the sand.

A talking point for locals and visitors

The event soon became a topic of conversation among both residents and visitors. Some beachgoers said they had never seen an elephant seal here before. Others hurried over after spotting videos of the animal on social media.

For Rio residents, seeing such a large marine mammal on one of the city's best-known shores was an unusual experience. One beachgoer joked that everyone wants to visit Copacabana, even the elephant seal.

The source does not say why the animal came ashore or how long it will remain there. It only notes that the seal drew crowds, photos and considerable buzz online, while measures to protect it were put in place without delay.