Massive 2,000-pound sea lion shocks tourists at iconic US hot spot: 'He’s like a Volkswagen!'
A massive Steller sea lion nicknamed 'Chonkers,' weighing between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds, has become a tourist attraction at San Francisco's Pier 39. The animal, likely from waters off Washington or Oregon, is much larger than the California sea lions typically found at the pier. Visitors have flocked to see the rare sight of the enormous marine mammal lounging among smaller sea lions.
- ▪Chonkers is a Steller sea lion estimated to weigh between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds.
- ▪The sea lion likely traveled from waters off Washington or Oregon to reach San Francisco.
- ▪Pier 39 offers protected docks with abundant food, making it an attractive spot for sea lions.
- ▪Visitors have been gathering at the pier to see and photograph Chonkers.
- ▪Steller sea lions are less commonly seen at Pier 39 compared to California sea lions.
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San Francisco Massive 2,000-pound sea lion shocks tourists at iconic US hot spot: 'He’s like a Volkswagen!' The Steller sea lion likely traveled from waters off Washington or Oregon to lounge among smaller California sea lions By Jasmine Baehr Fox News Published May 2, 2026 10:00pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Massive 2,000-pound ‘Chonkers’ the sea lion dwarfs others at San Francisco pier Tourists gather to catch a glimpse of the enormous Steller sea lion lounging among much smaller animals at Pier 39. (Credit: The Associated Press) NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! He’s getting a "seal" of approval — and stealing the spotlight.
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