Fact 01
The colony began using PIER 39's K-Dock shortly after the October 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.
Wildlife literacy
Know what you are seeing before the barking starts.
The magic is better when it stays factual: wild animals, legal protections, seasonal motion, and visible species clues.
Fact 02
The Marine Mammal Center advised that the sea lions remain after the marina tenants asked for help.
Fact 03
The population can range from sparse summer days to hundreds of animals, with a reported record above 2,100 in 2024.
Fact 04
Most PIER 39 animals are California sea lions, but Chonkers is a much larger Steller sea lion.
Fact 05
Male California sea lions can reach about 850 pounds and 7 feet; Steller sea lions can be far larger.
Fact 06
Sea lions have external ear flaps; that is one easy clue separating them from true seals.