Have you seen Chonkers? The roughly 2,000-pound Steller sea lion became an internet sensation during his extended stay on the decks at Pier 39, where he even got his own sign and plush toy from the Marine Mammal Center. Visitors have continued to stop by in hopes of spotting him.
SAN FRANCISCO --who drew crowds to San Francisco's Pier 39 in recent weeks, has not been seen since Friday, leaving fans wondering if they have missed their chance to catch a glimpse.
The roughly 2,000-pound Steller sea lion became an internet sensation during his extended stay at the popular waterfront attraction, where he even got his own sign and plush toy from the Marine Mammal Center. Visitors have continued to stop by in hopes of spotting him.
"We thought we'd stop in and see Chonkers, so we're hoping to see him," a third visitor said. But so far, those hopes have gone largely unfulfilled.
"I feel like I heard a few people saying, 'Oh, I think I see him in the back here', but I don't I don't think anybody actually did," one visitor said. Daniel Costa, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California at Santa Cruz, said the sea lion may have moved on to establish territory ahead of breeding season.
"I suspect that he is now at the Farallon Islands, too, right off San Francisco or maybe even Ano Nuevo island," Costa said. "We could see him tomorrow. We could not. We might not see him for months.
He might not ever come back," Costa said. The Marine Mammal Center is now selling plushies inspired by the popular Bay Area Steller sea lion, Chonkers. A spokesperson for Pier 39 said the sea lion has been visiting the area intermittently for about 15 years, usually staying only a few days at a time. This visit was longer than usual, drawing increased attention.
Costa said the fact that the sea lion stayed for so long though at Pier 39 is promising.
"He found it to be a of an interesting spot. So, I think we'll just have to wait and see. Anything's possible," Costa said.
"It's just so great to be on the water. So I'm really not that sad about it. I mean, it's still just a beautiful day, so never a bad time," one person said. There have also been reports of a lookalike sea lion spotted at the pier, though it's allegedly not another Steller sea lion, but a large California sea lion.
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