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2,000-Pound ‘Chonkers’ Sea Lion Spotted at Pier 39

4/29/2026

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Summary

Chonkers Spotted

A 2,000-pound Steller sea lion named “Chonkers” has been spotted at San Francisco’s Pier 39.
Chonkers weighs over 2,000 pounds, roughly twice the size of typical 800–1,000-pound California sea lions.
He is one of only two Steller sea lions currently visiting San Francisco Bay.
Harbor-master manager Sheila Chandor says his month-long stay signals abundant food and a healthy bay.
A new photo of Chonkers was released on Monday.

Summary

Chonkers Evades Docks

The 42 wooden floats at Pier 39 cannot support a 2,000-pound sea lion like Chonkers.
Harbormaster Sheila Chandor says there is no contingency plan if the animal uses the docks.
Staff normally guide California sea lions up to 700 pounds onto a float for safe boat traffic.
Since March, officials have increased dock monitoring as Chonkers avoided the area, keeping vessels running.

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Chonkers Spotted

A 2,000-pound Steller sea lion named “Chonkers” has been spotted at San Francisco’s Pier 39.
Chonkers weighs over 2,000 pounds, roughly twice the size of typical 800–1,000-pound California sea lions.
He is one of only two Steller sea lions currently visiting San Francisco Bay.
Harbor-master manager Sheila Chandor says his month-long stay signals abundant food and a healthy bay.
A new photo of Chonkers was released on Monday.

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