An unusual scene was recorded by citizens in a branch of estuary in southern Guayaquil, where a sea lion was spotted swimming peacefully. Several individuals on a nearby boat captured footage of the marine mammal, which has since gone viral on social media. Initially, the bystanders believed that the creature was a drowning dog, highlighting their surprise upon realizing it was a sea lion.

The video, lasting one and a half minutes, shows the sea lion swimming and performing various movements in the water. One of the witnesses in the boat could be heard on the video exclaiming, 'Record it, record it,' as they expressed their astonishment at the sight. The incident portrays a moment of unexpected wildlife interaction in an urban set-up, sparking local interest and curiosity.

As of midday, local and state agencies had not commented on the presence of this species in the ecosystem of Guayaquil. The sighting could indicate changes in marine wildlife behaviors or movements, urging authorities to monitor the situation to ensure the safety and conservation of the sea lion within the urban environment.