A southern elephant seal took an unexpected rest on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach, drawing curious beachgoers who stopped to watch and take photos.

A barrier was placed around the animal, with signs asking people to keep their distance as it lounged on the sand.

The sight quickly became a talking point among locals and visitors. Some said they had never seen an elephant seal here before, while others had rushed over after spotting videos of it on social media.

For residents, seeing the large marine mammal on one of Rio's best-known shores was an unusual experience.

One beachgoer joked that everyone wants to visit Copacabana, 'even the elephant seal'.