Overview
- State, federal and municipal teams including PROFEPA, SEMAR, Protección Civil, firefighters and SSPC Nayarit cordoned off Playa Los Ayala to protect the animal and onlookers.
- Officials reported the seal was in good condition with no visible injuries and allowed it to return to the sea naturally under ongoing interagency monitoring.
- The same individual was reported earlier in San Blas on Sunday before reappearing Tuesday at Los Ayala, drawing viral videos and crowds.
- Marine researchers using photographic records since 2020 identified the animal as the individual nicknamed “Panchito,” with specialists describing such visits as uncommon rest stops.
- Separate viral footage from Argentina showing a tourist trying to touch a resting sea lion prompted renewed expert guidance to keep distance, avoid contact and report sightings to authorities.