A juvenile Magellanic penguin was spotted swimming among beachgoers at Praia do Arpoador in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, over the weekend of June 29, 2025. The penguin appeared to be off its usual migratory route, which typically spans the Patagonian region of southern Argentina and Chile. Experts suggested the bird might have been following fish, leading it into the warm waters of Rio de Janeiro, far from its natural habitat. Authorities advised the public to avoid physical contact with the penguin and to notify specialized rescue teams. Additional sightings of Magellanic penguins were reported along the coast of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, with some penguins being rescued. The unusual presence of these birds attracted attention from locals and tourists, who captured videos of the penguins swimming and walking on beaches such as Arpoador and Leme. The event coincided with other marine wildlife appearances, including the return of humpback whales to the Rio de Janeiro area.