Overview
- Pier 39 staff confirmed on Thursday that a new Steller sea lion landed on K‑Dock and assessed it as smaller than Chonkers, likely a different individual.
- Staff say they do not plan to name the newcomer and expect the animal to move on within a few days after brief monitoring.
- Harbormaster reports and wildlife spokespeople link this year's unusually high number of Steller sea lion sightings to abundant forage fish such as anchovies in the San Francisco Bay.
- Chonkers first appeared in March and stayed for nearly two months, becoming a viral attraction that inspired sold‑out merchandise and large visitor crowds.
- Pier 39 and the Marine Mammal Center are emphasizing observation over intervention, balancing public interest and visitor safety while watching for how long the new animal remains.