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Sea Lions Take Advantage of Lockdown to Rest in Streets

Sea lions are seen on a street of Mar del Plata harbor during the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, in Mar del Plata, some 400 km south of Buenos Aires, Argentina | AFP.
Sea lions are seen on a street of Mar del Plata harbor during the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, in Mar del Plata, some 400 km south of Buenos Aires, Argentina | AFP.
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Sea Lions Take Advantage of Lockdown to Rest in Streets

Sea lions are seen on a street of Mar del Plata harbor during the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, in Mar del Plata, some 400 km south of Buenos Aires, Argentina | AFP.
Sea lions are seen on a street of Mar del Plata harbor during the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, in Mar del Plata, some 400 km south of Buenos Aires, Argentina | AFP.

Sea lions, often seen on the shores of South Latin America, took advantage of isolation measures imposed on humans by the emerging coronavirus to relax in the resort of Mar del Plata on the west coast of Argentina, AFP reported.

Vacationers used to see the sea lions on the coast of the city of 750 thousand people, located 400 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires, but they are investing this opportunity to go further on land. They can now be seen playing in the parking lots or in front of closed souvenir shops.

"Because of the house quarantine, the streets are empty of people, so sea lions ventured to move away a little from their usual place," said Juan Lorenzani, president of the Fona Argentina Foundation.

These mammals are accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the city, which welcomes thousands of tourists all year round, and is now enjoying an unprecedented calm since 20 March, when forced isolation was imposed on 44 million Argentines.

"These animals weigh between 350 and 500 kilograms of the largest size," Lorenzani said, explaining that they have the ability to control the temperature of their bodies and seek protection from the wind.

Commenting on the issue, Jorge Persio said, as he went shopping, "This is unusual! The animals are taking advantage of the situation to enjoy more comfort."

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Saudi Arabia’s Dugong Protection Efforts Take Center Stage at Environment Week 2025 

The Saudi government, through the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), is implementing specialized programs aimed at safeguarding the species from the threat of extinction. (SPA)
The Saudi government, through the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), is implementing specialized programs aimed at safeguarding the species from the threat of extinction. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s Dugong Protection Efforts Take Center Stage at Environment Week 2025 

The Saudi government, through the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), is implementing specialized programs aimed at safeguarding the species from the threat of extinction. (SPA)
The Saudi government, through the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), is implementing specialized programs aimed at safeguarding the species from the threat of extinction. (SPA)

The dugong (Dugong dugon) continues to be a vital symbol of biodiversity in Saudi Arabia. The vulnerable mammal serves as a sensitive environmental indicator reflecting the health and stability of marine ecosystems, safely swimming in the warm coastal waters of Saudi Arabia. The dugong has captured public imagination, intertwining marine legends with environmental reality, merging the wonder of folklore with scientific significance.

During Saudi Environment Week 2025, efforts to protect the dugong took center stage in national events, highlighting its status as a species that is vulnerable to extinction, necessitating responsibilities from researchers, environmental enthusiasts, and policymakers.

The Saudi government, through the National Center for Wildlife (NCW), is implementing specialized programs aimed at safeguarding the species from the threat of extinction. Initiatives include satellite tracking and scientific studies that monitor the dugong's distribution in Saudi territorial waters, as well as national plans to manage and rehabilitate its natural habitats, ensuring the sustainability of its marine environment and creating suitable conditions for its reproduction and survival.

Beyond the local level, Saudi Arabia has also emphasized enhancing international cooperation in this field. In 2013, the country signed an agreement to protect the dugong and its habitats and has actively participated in global environmental initiatives, including the Pacific Year of the Dugong, launched in 2011.

Throughout Saudi Environment Week, the NCW showcased its latest studies on the dugong and provided educational awareness programs for visitors, students, and enthusiasts. The NCW focused on the significance of the dugong within the ecological balance and the necessity of preserving its habitats. The center demonstrated modern tracking technologies used to monitor the dugong and understand its movements.