Sea Lion Recovers at Poolside Next to Former ‘Real World’ Star

If injured animals typically go to a zoo to recover, then Panchita, a Galapagos sea lion, is no ordinary animal. Panchita is, instead, one smart and fortunate creature with a taste for the good life.

After sustaining deep cuts from being caught in an ocean net, Panchita didn’t wash up on rough shores. Instead, she found herself at a hotel in the Galapagos Islands, according to Animal Advocacy, a Phoenix-based organization dedicated to animal welfare. The organization’s members discovered Panchita and spent the next three months nursing her back to health.

The team provided round-the-clock care, treating her wounds, ensuring she received proper nutrition, and monitoring her progress closely. Panchita, now pregnant and expecting her baby sea lion any day, follows a routine where she goes out to sea daily for food and exercise, returning to the hotel to rest and recuperate.

In an eye-catching photo, Panchita is seen post-ocean swim, improbably lying next to Eric Nies, the star of the first season of the MTV reality show “The Real World.” Nies, who has been involved in various animal conservation efforts, was visiting the Galapagos Islands and happened to stay at the same hotel where Panchita was recovering.

Nies provided the photo to Animal Advocacy through the Seals of Nam, a worldwide initiative that aims to “bring the stench of the Namibian seal massacre to the nostrils of an indignant world,” according to its website. This organization focuses on raising awareness about the mass culling of seals in Namibia and advocates for the protection of marine wildlife globally.

The presence of a reality TV star at Panchita’s side added a touch of celebrity to her remarkable recovery story, drawing attention to the plight of injured marine animals and the importance of animal advocacy. Nies expressed his admiration for Panchita’s resilience and the dedication of the Animal Advocacy team, highlighting the critical role such organizations play in wildlife conservation.

Panchita’s story is a testament to the impact of compassionate intervention and the unexpected connections that can form between humans and wildlife. As she prepares to welcome her new pup, Panchita continues to inspire those who follow her journey, embodying hope and resilience.