Rare sea lion ‘Chonkers’ draws crowds to San Francisco’s Pier 39

A rare Steller sea lion nicknamed “Chonkers” has become a social media sensation and a major draw at San Francisco’s Pier 39, where his impressive size and extended visit are attracting tourists and locals alike. Sea lions are a popular attraction at Pier 39, but Chonkers, weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, is at least twice the size of the California sea lions typically seen in the area. His presence has sparked excitement among visitors. “We came to see the sea lions like everyone does and learned about this new guy. It’s very exciting to have him here,” said Abbey Roberts, a visitor from Sacramento. Chonkers is a Steller sea lion, a species rarely seen at Pier 39. Pier 39 harbor master Sheila Chandor said his visits are infrequent, occurring once every few years. His most recent stopover was two years ago and lasted only a few days. This time, however, Chonkers has stayed for over a month. “We usually see them more up in Alaska, so it’s really special to see him adopt Pier 39 as a stopover,” Chandor said. During this visit, Chonkers was accompanied by a juvenile Steller sea lion, though the younger seal left after a few days. Chandor explained that food availability is the main reason for their presence. “It’s always food that brings them in,” she said. “There’s a lot of fish in the bay right now.” Pier 39 officials credit Chonkers for drawing visitors during what is sometimes a slower period after spring break and before summer. “He is the sea-lebrity, yes,” Chandor said. Visitors from across the country and beyond have come to Pier 39 to see Chonkers. Steve Brink, visiting from Michigan, said, “Chonkers brought us here, and don’t know where he’s at.” The harbor master noted that the best time to see Chonkers is in the morning, between 7 and 9 a.m., when he has been making his appearances. A 9-year-old boy visiting from Canada with his family said he is a fan of sea lions, though they didn’t see Chonkers on this day. “Probably tomorrow, we’ll come down early to get a glimpse of him,” said Eileen Brown, a visitor from Canada. Chonkers’ presence has delighted fans and boosted business for the area, making him a standout attraction at Pier 39.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SAN FRANCISCO —

A rare Steller sea lion nicknamed “Chonkers” has become a social media sensation and a major draw at San Francisco’s Pier 39, where his impressive size and extended visit are attracting tourists and locals alike.

Sea lions are a popular attraction at Pier 39, but Chonkers, weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, is at least twice the size of the California sea lions typically seen in the area. His presence has sparked excitement among visitors.

“We came to see the sea lions like everyone does and learned about this new guy. It’s very exciting to have him here,” said Abbey Roberts, a visitor from Sacramento.

Chonkers is a Steller sea lion, a species rarely seen at Pier 39. Pier 39 harbor master Sheila Chandor said his visits are infrequent, occurring once every few years. His most recent stopover was two years ago and lasted only a few days. This time, however, Chonkers has stayed for over a month.

“We usually see them more up in Alaska, so it’s really special to see him adopt Pier 39 as a stopover,” Chandor said.

During this visit, Chonkers was accompanied by a juvenile Steller sea lion, though the younger seal left after a few days. Chandor explained that food availability is the main reason for their presence.

“It’s always food that brings them in,” she said. “There’s a lot of fish in the bay right now.”

Pier 39 officials credit Chonkers for drawing visitors during what is sometimes a slower period after spring break and before summer.

“He is the sea-lebrity, yes,” Chandor said.

Visitors from across the country and beyond have come to Pier 39 to see Chonkers. Steve Brink, visiting from Michigan, said, “Chonkers brought us here, and [we] don’t know where he’s at.”

The harbor master noted that the best time to see Chonkers is in the morning, between 7 and 9 a.m., when he has been making his appearances.

A 9-year-old boy visiting from Canada with his family said he is a fan of sea lions, though they didn’t see Chonkers on this day.

“Probably tomorrow, we’ll come down early to get a glimpse of him,” said Eileen Brown, a visitor from Canada.

Chonkers’ presence has delighted fans and boosted business for the area, making him a standout attraction at Pier 39.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel