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"Chonkers" the Massive Sea Lion Becomes Star at San Francisco's Pier 39
The rare Steller sea lion has stayed for over a month and officials say it is drawing visitors during a slower season.
- A 2,000-pound Steller sea lion named Chonkers has drawn crowds to San Francisco's Pier 39 over the past month, becoming a social media sensation for his exceptional size and calm demeanor.
- Native to colder regions like Alaska, Steller sea lions rarely venture south; marine experts attribute Chonkers' extended visit to peak anchovy season in the Bay, which provides abundant food.
- Harbor master Sheila Chandor, who manages Pier 39's marina, describes the sea lion as a "pretty mellow guy" who is "so much larger than anything you can imagine."
- Officials credit Chonkers for boosting tourism during a typically slower post-spring-break period, with visitors from across the country flocking to Pier 39 for a glimpse.
- Typically arriving once every few years for brief stays, Chonkers' current month-long visit marks the longest recorded period at the pier, making this an exceptionally rare opportunity.
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49 Articles
49 Articles
Associated Press News+25 Reposted by 25 other sources
Chonkers the sea lion draws crowds to San Francisco's Pier 39
A massive sea lion nicknamed Chonkers is charming tourists and locals at San Francisco's Pier 39. On Thursday morning, visitors snapped photos of the Steller sea lion as he flopped on the pier among much smaller California sea lions.
·United States
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East Bay TimesReposted by 
The Mercury news
The Mercury newsChonkers is the huge, cuddle-seeking celebrity that San Francisco craves
·Walnut Creek, United States
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Los Angeles Times+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
'Chonkers,' the massive sea lion, is drawing crowds at San Francisco pier
A particularly massive sea lion has Bay Area residents flocking to the dock of Pier 39 in San Francisco to spot the mammal affectionately named “Chonkers.”
·Los Angeles, United States
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The Tribune+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Chonkers the sea lion draws crowds to San Francisco’s Pier 39
Coverage Details
Total News Sources49
Leaning Left15Leaning Right5Center23Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
L 35%
C 53%
12%
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