When Maria Quinones-Munoz took a morning walk to the beach on Tuesday, she expected the familiar sight of crashing waves and early risers along Ocean Front Walk. But what she found instead was a rare moment worth waiting for.

Part of the beach was blocked off, and curiosity led her to ask one of the designated workers about the commotion. The answer surprised her: rescued sea lions were about to be released back into the ocean.

After an hour, the highly anticipated moment arrived. Three sea lions, housed in temporary cages, were carefully brought to the water’s edge. Then released, they crawled back toward the sea to freedom.

I work up yesterday morning, decided to walk over to the beach. so when I made it part of the beach was blocked off. I asked one of the designated workers what was happening and he told me that sea lions were going to be released back to their home. I said "oh really! I'm going to stay and watch" I waited about an hour before the sea lions made it but it was defiantly worth the wait to experience.