Steller sea lions are not globally rare, but seeing one up close and personal is not something that happens every day. We talked to an expert about this species behind this viral moment.
A massive sea lion nicknamed 'Chonkers' is turning heads - and drawing crowds - at San Francisco's Pier 39 after being spotted lounging among the docks in recent weeks.
'Chonkers' is a Steller sea lion: a species that is significantly bigger than the California sea lions more commonly seen at the popular waterfront attraction. We spoke to Sheila Chandler, the Pier 39 harbor master to learn more about Steller sea lions as 'Chonkers' takes the internet by storm. Steller sea lions can reach up to 11 feet in length and weigh as much as 2,500 pounds.
Chandler explained that Steller sea lions are built for colder, deeper waters than those typically found in San Francisco Bay.
"They're so big because they dive deep and they swim in much colder waters than even here in San Francisco Bay," she said. "So they need all that blubber for sure. "Are Steller sea lions more aggressive? Despite his intimidating size, Chandler said the Steller sea lion has not been aggressive toward the other animals resting on the docks.
"He's so much bigger. He's literally twice the size of the biggest California sea lion that you can see out there," she said.
"And he's very mellow. It seems he's not that vocal from what we can see in here. And he doesn't he doesn't have to go up against any of the others to prove who's dominant. It's sort of an implied yes.
"According to Chandler, the species ranges widely across the Pacific. "They swim in waters from Japan all the way down the coast here, the Pacific coast," she said. "They're big, long distance swimmers. They're seen in places like Alaska and all over.
So, they may look like lumbering giants when they're hauled out, but in the water, they're deep diving, fast mammals.
"Chandler, said the animal was last spotted Tuesday morning around 9 a.m. and has continued to make appearances throughout the day. "People are coming. They're hearing about him, and they're coming down to see him in larger crowds, for sure," she said.
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