Genovesa Island
Today has been one of the most extraordinary days in my life. Probably while reading this first sentence you may wonder: What made this day so special for this guy? Let me explain to you. For many years as a biologist and naturalist, I have been interpreting the natural world in many different ecosystems. I have seen many amazing sightings that will stay with me forever. Today I have a new one, a very special one. How many times in your lifetime are you lucky enough to see a mother sea lion delivering a baby in the wild? Well, for several minutes we witnessed this memorable event. The air filled with a mixture of happiness, amazement, nervousness and excitement.
Little by little, more and more people were called to see this special event. With respect, we kept our distance and observed the event immersed inside a magical silence. Occasional expressions of joy were heard while we were watching the progress of the birth. At about 10:30 in the morning, contractions provoked the baby to start coming out. At 11:02 our anxiety was rewarded, we had a brand new sea lion pup in this world! Tears in my eyes, and in the eyes of many who watched, were conspicuous signals of the magnificence of the happening. Many of us refused to leave the place. We were bewitched. For several hours I could not take out of my mind the strong impression of the baby at the very moment it was born. The amniotic liquid, the umbilical cord, the first crying, the maternal care, the first time the newborn was nursed. Wow! So many things to be said! In simple words, today we saw the miracle of life in front of our eyes; this experience is just unforgettable.
