Sea Lion Named ‘Chonkers,’ Nearly 3 Times the Size of His Peers, Sends Other Animals Fleeing as He Captivates California

### Giant Sea Lion Takes Up Residence at San Francisco’s Pier 39

Chonkers, a colossal Steller sea lion weighing approximately 2,000 pounds, has recently captured the attention of both locals and online audiences alike since settling at San Francisco’s Pier 39 in March. This massive marine mammal has become a source of fascination as he continues to dominate the area, standing out markedly against the smaller California sea lions that typically inhabit the locale.

Chonkers made his entrance onto the bustling pier, which is part of the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, and has since established himself as a formidable presence among his peers. Weighing nearly three times as much as the average California sea lion, his sheer size has made him an online sensation. Videos have circulated widely on social media, showcasing this gentle giant flinging himself onto wooden floats and demonstrating his dominance in an entertaining manner — often sending smaller sea lions scurrying away.

The name “Chonkers” was born out of a Reddit conversation, where San Francisco users celebrated the sea lion’s impressive girth. One particularly popular clip features Chonkers lounging comfortably on a float, alone, while the other California sea lions keep a respectful distance. Another viral video shows him returning to the dock with a splash, causing pandemonium among the smaller sea lions nearby, save for one audacious individual who appeared unbothered by Chonkers’ presence.

Steller sea lions are renowned as the largest of the eared seals. Adult males can reach lengths of up to 11 feet and can weigh as much as 2,500 pounds, which indicates that while Chonkers is undoubtedly large, he is not the largest of his kind. His lighter fur distinguishes him from the darker California sea lions that typically share the same habitat.

Laura Gill, a public programmes manager at the Marine Mammal Center, provided insights into Chonkers’ presence, suggesting that he may have ventured into San Francisco Bay in search of abundance, stating, “There’s just a lot of food right now.” This location offers a bounty of seafood, which can likely explain Chonkers’ decision to settle there, albeit Steller sea lions are generally not prone to lengthy stays at a singular location.

Sheila Chandor, the harbormaster at Pier 39, noted that it is unusual for Steller sea lions to remain in one place for an extended period. “We’re a pit stop, that’s how we see ourselves,” she explained, indicating that the floats were designed for much smaller sea lions rather than for animals of Chonkers’ size. Despite this inconsistency in expectations, Chandor was pleased to report that Chonkers has thus far been a considerate neighbour, respecting the boating docks and not causing significant disturbances.

While typically, harbour staff can gently guide California sea lions to one of the operational wooden floats to ensure the smooth passage of boaters, the presence of Chonkers poses a new challenge. Chandor remarked that there is currently no contingency plan if he decides to explore the docking areas more closely. “I’m really happy to say that hasn’t been a problem we’ve had to face,” she added. “He doesn’t have anything to prove, and that works in our favour.”

As Chonkers continues to grace the pier with his commanding presence, visitors to Pier 39 have a unique opportunity to encounter an incredible piece of marine wildlife. The spectacle of this massive mammal has not only provided entertainment but has also drawn attention to the complexities of wildlife management in urban settings. With his popularity soaring on the internet, it remains to be seen how long Chonkers will continue to inhabit this iconic location, but for now, he remains a beloved figure among both locals and tourists.