A colossal sea lion affectionately known as Chonkers is captivating tourists and residents alike at San Francisco's Pier 39, where crowds gather daily to catch a glimpse of the enormous marine mammal. On Thursday morning, visitors eagerly snapped photos as the Steller sea lion lounged on the pier, surrounded by dozens of smaller California sea lions that typically inhabit the docks.
Visitors Amazed by Size
“He’s like a Volkswagen! He’s so huge!” exclaimed Oluwaseyi Akinbobola, a visitor from Los Angeles who extended her stay by half an hour to see the famous sea lion. “I have heard everywhere about this big giant sea lion, and I like to look at things, so just thought I’d check it out.”
Chonkers is believed to have migrated from the waters off Washington or Oregon and is estimated to weigh between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds (680 to 907 kilograms), according to Laura Gill, public programs manager at The Marine Mammal Center in nearby Sausalito. The early riser is one of the few Steller sea lions to venture into the pier, which offers protection from predators and rough waves, along with an abundant food supply.
Abundant Food in San Francisco Bay
“There's plenty of food in San Francisco Bay for them, so the fish, the rockfish, the anchovies, the herring, there’s a lot of easy prey for them,” Gill explained. The giant sea lion, first spotted at the pier last month, has become a unifying force for the community, said San Francisco resident Danielle Ovadia. “He’s so precious, and he’s quite literally humongous,” she added.
Sea Lions and Pier 39: A Historic Connection
Sea lions have become synonymous with the popular tourist destination, but their presence began only after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. According to the marina, a single male arrived and was soon joined by dozens more; by February 1990, the pinniped population had swelled to over 300.
Chonkers is typically seen at the docks early in the morning but becomes harder to locate later in the day, Gill noted. She finds it endearing to watch him attempt to snuggle with the resident sea lions for warmth and is curious whether other Steller sea lions will follow his lead. “He's trying to fit in, but he sticks out like a sore thumb,” she remarked.
