US EditionMysterious Creatures Washing Up On NorCal Beaches + Massive Sea Lion At SF's Pier 39: Saturday Smiles
- On Thursday, visitors at San Francisco's Pier 39 captured photos of a massive Steller sea lion nicknamed Chonkers lounging among dozens of smaller California sea lions.
- Laura Gill, public programs manager at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, estimates Chonkers weighs between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds and likely traveled south from Washington or Oregon.
- San Francisco resident Danielle Ovadia described the sea lion as "quite literally humongous" and noted he frequently attempts to snuggle with smaller sea lions for warmth.
- Since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the pier has provided a sanctuary protecting sea lions from predators and crashing waves, with populations growing to more than 300 by February 1990.
- Gill notes the sea lion is harder to pin down during the rest of the day, so early visits offer the best chance to observe him; it remains to be seen if other Steller sea lions follow suit.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Chonkers, the massive Steller sea lion, is drawing crowds to San Francisco’s Pier 39
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — An intrepid sea lion nicknamed Chonkers is waddling his way into the hearts of tourists and locals who have flocked to San Francisco’s Pier 39 for a glimpse of the massive pinniped.
Chonkers the sea lion draws crowds to San Francisco’s Pier 39
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — An intrepid sea lion nicknamed Chonkers is waddling his way into the hearts of tourists and locals who have flocked to San Francisco’s Pier 39 for a glimpse of the massive pinniped. On Thursday morning, visitors snapped photos as the Steller sea lion flopped on the pier, surrounded by dozens of much smaller California sea lions that call the docks home. “He’s like a Volkswagen! He’s so huge!” said Oluwaseyi Akinbobola, a vis…
An unusually large sea lion makes a stir in San Francisco. "Chonkers" inspires locals and tourists who marvel at the heavy-toned animal at Pier 39.
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