Dozens Of Huge Sea Lions Invade Empty Argentine City During Lockdown

This is the moment dozens of huge sea lions sleep in the middle of the street or lift their heads to feel the sun on their face after invading an Argentine city during lockdown.

The unusual incident was filmed in the city of Mar del Plata in the eastern Argentine province of Buenos Aires this week.

The sea lions left the natural reserve on the other side of the city’s southern breakwater wall and were spotted resting on the tarmac close to where they are usually found.

Sea lions sunbathing and resting in Mar del Plata in June 2021. (Diario La Capital de Mar del Plata)

The animals are believed to have left their home environment due to strict lockdown measures and less human activity at the dock.

In Mar del Plata, it is common for the odd sea lion to venture into town in search of food in rubbish bins, but dozens have never been spotted flooding the streets before.

According to the director of the research group Biology, Ecology, and the Conservation of Marine Mammals of the National University of Mar del Plata, the sea lions have become accustomed to less human activity in the area.

Sea lions sunbathing and resting in Mar del Plata in June 2021. (Diario La Capital de Mar del Plata)

Fewer people pass through the area and road use has decreased, giving the sea lions the confidence to waddle into town.

The director also explained that the sea lions in the video were probably soaking up the heat from the asphalt as the area is going through a cold snap.

The animals reportedly left their home area around the breakwater and ventured into a nearby market area.