SEA LION GIVES HOTEL GUESTS A SURPRISE POOL VISIT
WITH PIX AND VID
By Shuk Yee Tsang
A laid-back sea lion stunned guests at this hotel when it casually slipped into the swimming pool for a relaxing soak.
The unexpected encounter was filmed on the Galapagos islands, where wildlife famously wanders freely and seems unfazed by human presence.
The footage was captured by Jasper Wilkins, 32, a conservation-focused digital nomad originally from Birmingham, UK, but now travels the world advocating for ocean protection.
He was preparing to take a dip himself when the sea lion appeared, gliding straight into the pool as though it had booked the spot in advance.
Moments like these, he says, aren’t unusual in the Galapagos, where animals often behave as if humans are simply part of the landscape.
Jasper said: “I was going to get in the pool but a sea lion kept coming in to relax.
“These islands are special because you see unique wildlife everywhere and they aren’t scared of humans.
“I’m always looking for interesting stories about wildlife, so I quickly filmed this.
"Usually it can be hard to see moments like this.
“The oceans are vital because they produce over half the oxygen we breathe and regulate the climate.
“Humans take trillions of marine animals each year, and hardly anybody cares about them.
“If you love the ocean, help raise awareness about how people can protect it.
"Commercial fishing is very bad for marine life, so becoming plant-based is one of the simplest ways individuals can help.”
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