Biologists with the Projeto de Monitoramento de Praias da Bacia de Santos (PMP-BS) monitor a young southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) resting on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 6, 2026, assessing its condition and helping ensure it remains undisturbed. The unusual visitor has drawn attention along the coast in recent days after being spotted in So£o Conrado, across Guanabara Bay in Icarao­, Nitero³i, and now Copacabana. The young seal, a species native to colder waters of the Southern Hemisphere, has attracted curious bathers and beachgoers at each stop. Experts advise people to observe the animal from a safe distance and not approach, touch, feed o - ZUMAk251 20261006_znp_k251_013

Biologists with the Projeto de Monitoramento de Praias da Bacia de Santos (PMP-BS) monitor a young southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) resting on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 6, 2026, assessing its condition and helping ensure it remains undisturbed. The unusual visitor has drawn attention along the coast in recent days after being spotted in So£o Conrado, across Guanabara Bay in Icarao­, Nitero³i, and now Copacabana. The young seal, a species native to colder waters of the Southern Hemisphere, has attracted curious bathers and beachgoers at each stop. Experts advise people to observe the animal from a safe distance and not approach, touch, feed o - ZUMAk251 20261006_znp_k251_013

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Credit: ZUMA Press Wire

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Recording Date: Oct 6, 2026

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October 6, 2026, Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil: Biologists with the Projeto de Monitoramento de Praias da Bacia de Santos (PMP-BS) monitor a young southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) resting on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on October 6, 2026, assessing its condition and helping ensure it remains undisturbed. The unusual visitor has drawn attention along the coast in recent days after being spotted in So£o Conrado, across Guanabara Bay in Icarao­, Nitero³i, and now Copacabana. The young seal, a species native to colder waters of the Southern Hemisphere, has attracted curious bathers and beachgoers at each stop. Experts advise people to observe the animal from a safe distance and not approach, touch, feed o - ZUMAk251 20261006_znp_k251_013

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