Video: Sea lion pup hops on family kayak, snuggles with dad

Rodney Gist and two of his children were out for a relaxing day when the little pup hitched a ride.

"We felt him back there," Gist told KEYT. "Next thing you know, I could tell he had climbed aboard," Gist continued.

“It’s a wild animal, so we’re a little interested in seeing how he would behave,” Gist noted.

No need. The young animal rode along calmly and even cuddled a little.

The family named the pup Cecil. “I could tell he was kind of playful, like a dog,” Gist smiled.

The family was asked why the sea lion decided to ride along, KTLA reports Gist's daughter Lee Lee jumped in with her theories. "Maybe he just was tired of swimming, maybe he was wanting to interact with people," she began. Her final answer was everyone's favorite. "Maybe he just wanted to snuggle," the girl giggled. Cecil stayed on the kayak for several minutes but eventually slid back into the water and swam away with other sea lions.

More here.