Meet Chonkers - The 2,000-Pound Sea Lion Taking Over San Francisco’s Pier 39

April 30, 2026

A massive sea lion nicknamed “Chonkers” is turning heads and drawing crowds at San Francisco’s famous waterfront after making himself right at home at Pier 39.

Chonkers / FOX 13

The enormous Steller sea lion, which weighs nearly 2,000 pounds, has become an unexpected tourist attraction after staying at the pier for more than a month. That is a much longer visit than usual for the giant marine mammal, who has been known to stop by every few years for only a few days at a time.

“It’s really special to see him adopt Pier 39 as a stopover,” said harbor master Sheila Chandor.

Nicknamed “Chonkers” by fans online, the sea lion is impossible to miss. He is at least twice the size of the California sea lions that normally lounge around the pier’s floating docks.

Steller sea lions are typically found in places like Alaska, making his appearance in the San Francisco Bay area especially exciting for visitors and wildlife lovers alike.

According to Chandor, Chonkers first arrived with a younger Steller sea lion, but the juvenile left after only a few days. Chonkers, however, decided to stick around.

 Big Boi Chonkers / FOX 13

Why the extended stay? Apparently, the bay’s seafood selection has been hard to resist.

“It’s always food that brings them in,” Chandor explained. “There’s a lot of fish in the bay right now.”

His extended vacation has also been a welcome surprise for local businesses. The giant “sea-lebrity” has helped attract visitors during what is usually a slower tourism season between spring break and summer travel.

People from across the United States and even Canada have traveled to the waterfront hoping to catch a glimpse of the oversized guest.

Despite weighing nearly a ton, Chonkers has a calm reputation. Officials say he is not aggressive and tends to keep to himself. Still, spotting him can take patience, and regular visitors say early mornings offer the best chance to see the famous sea lion stretched out on the docks.

For now, Chonkers seems perfectly happy enjoying the fish-filled waters and soaking up the attention from his growing fan club.