Chonkers the Enormous Sea Lion Attracted Throng to San Francisco’s Renowned Pier 39. Then, a New Plump Sensation Usurped His Identity
The Steller sea lion made a rare appearance at the pier, typically frequented by smaller California sea lions. Nevertheless, he might have departed days prior, during which a colossal individual of the more common species misled observers
Chonkers, a Steller sea lion, is significantly larger than his smaller California sea lion companions.
AP Photo / Haven Daley
Since mid-March, a gigantic Steller sea lion affectionately dubbed Chonkers has been attracting crowds to San Francisco’s Pier 39.
“He’s like a Volkswagen! He’s just so enormous!” says Oluwaseyi Akinbobola, a visitor from Los Angeles who rushed to the pier hoping to see the famous animal, to Janie Har and Haven Daley at the Associated Press. “I have heard everywhere about this giant sea lion, and I enjoy seeing unusual things, so I just thought I’d come and take a look.”
However, on May 7, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Caleb Pershan reported that Chonkers hadn’t been spotted for several days—and that a rather large California sea lion, which is the more common species seen basking on the floating platforms at the pier, had unintentionally impersonated him and confused observers.
San Franciscans are quite familiar with sea lions at Pier 39, as the smaller California species has been gathering there since late 1989. By early the following year, they had essentially taken over a dock.
Chonkers, on the other hand, is a Steller sea lion, a species found in the northern Pacific Ocean, extending from northern Japan to central California. These are the largest of the “eared seals,” a category that includes all sea lions and fur seals. Males can reach lengths of approximately 11 feet and weigh as much as 2,500 pounds—roughly three times the weight of male California sea lions. Thus, when Chonkers appeared, he certainly attracted attention.
Interesting fact: California sea lions are growing larger
In 2023, researchers determined that males of the species are becoming larger—despite their thriving population leading to increased competition for food. This growth may stem from their ability to consume a diverse range of foods, with one scientist describing them as “the raccoons of the sea.”
“It’s very clear if you’ve seen the photographs that one of these animals is not like the others,” says Adam Ratner, director of conservation engagement at the Marine Mammal Center in California, to Bethany Augliere at National Geographic. Experts estimate that Chonkers weighs between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds.
Laura Gill, the public programs manager at the Marine Mammal Center, informs Livia Albeck-Ripka at the New York Times that Chonkers likely traveled about 30 miles from a breeding colony in the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco, swimming beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and into the San Francisco Bay.
Chonkers possibly ventured to Pier 39 for two primary motives: sustenance and relaxation.
“It’s an excellent location to rest and relax, and there’s an abundance of food nearby,” Ratner tells National Geographic. “That’s what makes Pier 39 unique—it’s a safe environment, away from predators,” he adds. Sharks and orcas typically do not enter the Bay’s shallow waters, and the floating platforms provide sea lions a comfy spot to lounge.
Giant Steller sea lion ‘Chonkers’ makes a splash in San Francisco
Moreover, Chonkers could indulge in the abundant anchovies, herring, and rockfish in the waters. That’s essentially the lifestyle of a male sea lion outside of the breeding season, says Sharon Melin, a biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, to National Geographic.
“They’re in winter mode, just putting on weight,” she states. “So, he’s just lounging around—and might be curious why [the other sea lions] departed. They prefer to be near other animals.”
The impressive sea lion has united the San Francisco community, mentions resident Danielle Ovadia to the AP. “He’s absolutely delightful, and he’s literally gigantic.”
Chonkers has frequented the well-known sea lion stop for the last 15 years, states Sheila Chandor, harbor master at Pier 39 since 1985, to the Times. However, he normally stays for just a handful of days.
“When he’s positioned on the dock, he contrasts so drastically in size compared to the others,” Chandor remarks. “He makes them all appear like tiny kittens.”
Now, it seems the enormous sensation may have moved on for the season—but his absence went largely unnoticed for several days. The case of mistaken identity was brought to light when a San Francisco Chronicle photographer, Brontë Wittpenn, believed she captured images of the internet-famous animal on Monday. However, upon closer inspection, she and her editors discovered that the sea lion appeared smaller and lighter in hue than Chonkers, as reported by the outlet.
Pier 39 spokesperson Sue Muzzin confirmed to the Chronicle that the photographed creature was indeed not Chonkers. Ratner advised the publication that the animal isn’t even a Steller sea lion.
People mistakenly believed this large California sea lion to be Chonkers.
Brontë Wittpenn / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
“I’m heartbroken,” Wittpenn comments to the outlet, expressing her disappointment over the confusion. “I feel deceived.”
Perhaps sea lion enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see Chonkers again next year.