When Gilkinson, his wife, niece and friends boarded a rented boat to sail along the Newport Beach coast, they weren’t at all prepared for what was about to happen.
Gilkinson describes watching as a sea lion pup climb aboard the sailboat’s back deck and slowly edged closer to him. He quickly grabbed his phone and recorded the incredible moment the baby sea lion lay his head on his lap and close his eyes!
“He wanted to come rest on me,” says Gilkinson, “so we let him.”
The sea lion snuggled with the sailor for about one hour up until it was time to return to harbor. Wilkinson actually had to stand up and tell the sea lion it was time to go, and after some gentle nudges, he returned to the water.
Sailors in the area confirmed this type of thing “just doesn’t happen,” and Gilkinson says, “It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. I appreciated every second because I didn’t know how long it was going to last.”
Gilkinson later captured the YouTube video as, My Life Changing Experience with a Baby Sea Lion.
Watch every incredible moment of this rare sea lion encounter here and please SHARE it with your friends on Facebook!
[Featured Image Credit: YouTube- J.R. Gilkinson]