Tourists flock to swim with sea lions near Peru's capital

[Judi Lynn]

In this Aug. 8, 2018 photo, a sea lion swims near the Palomino Islands off the coast of Lima, Peru. Activists warn that the largely unregulated eco-tourism, in which tourists swim just feet away the sea lions, could be potentially dangerous and disruptive to the wild animals and their habitat. (Rodrigo Abd/Associated Press)

By Associated Press October 5 at 12:15 AM

LIMA, Peru — Foreign tourists are flocking to a group of rocky islands a few miles off the coast of Peru’s capital for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a chance to swim with sea lions.

The 39 rocky islands near Lima are home to an untold number of sea lions who bathe gracefully and feast on abundant fish that thrive in the cold-water Humboldt current.

But activists warn that the largely unregulated eco-tourism activity could be potentially dangerous and disruptive to the wild animals and their habitat.

Last year, more than 20,000 tourists visited the sea lion reserve, according to the government, with most stopping at Palomino island about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the coast.

More:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/tourists-flock-to-swim-with-sea-lions-near-perus-capital/2018/10/05/862c9114-c854-11e8-9c0f-2ffaf6d422aa_story.html?utm_term=.08fed3f85a8a

[msongs]

1. sea lions are vicious nasty animals. best keep far away nt