Who is ‘Chonkers’? One-ton sea lion becomes San Francisco ‘sea-lebrity’

A stellar sea lion in San Francisco is going viral after visitors noticed it was about three times the size of a typical California sea lion.It started with Redditors posting about the sea lion, calling him “Chonkers.” The posts have drawn visitors to Pier 39 to take and share content of Chonkers.Adult male stellar sea lions can weigh up to 2,500 pounds and can grow up to 11 feet long, with a life span of 20 to 30 years. The species has been listed on the list of the Endangered Species Act since 1990, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the stellar sea lion can be spotted near the Pier 39 viewing area early in the morning. You may be able to catch a glimpse of Chonkers from home. Click here to view the sea lion live webcam from San Francisco’s Pier 39.This is not the first time a stellar sea lion has gone viral in San Francisco. “Big Ben Butler,” named after the Civil War general, was a 13-foot stellar spotted over Seal Rocks for about 40 years in the 18th century. After his death, he was stuffed and displayed at Sutro Baths in San Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO —

A stellar sea lion in San Francisco is going viral after visitors noticed it was about three times the size of a typical California sea lion.

It started with Redditors posting about the sea lion, calling him “Chonkers.” The posts have drawn visitors to Pier 39 to take and share content of Chonkers.

Adult male stellar sea lions can weigh up to 2,500 pounds and can grow up to 11 feet long, with a life span of 20 to 30 years. The species has been listed on the list of the Endangered Species Act since 1990, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the stellar sea lion can be spotted near the Pier 39 viewing area early in the morning.

You may be able to catch a glimpse of Chonkers from home. Click here to view the sea lion live webcam from San Francisco’s Pier 39.

This is not the first time a stellar sea lion has gone viral in San Francisco.

“Big Ben Butler,” named after the Civil War general, was a 13-foot stellar spotted over Seal Rocks for about 40 years in the 18th century. After his death, he was stuffed and displayed at Sutro Baths in San Francisco.