"This year, that he stayed for a month to six weeks is very unusual. Stellar sea lions typically live further out in the ocean, and the majority of the population resides off the coast of Alaska. But they make occasional appearances in the Bay, and Chonkers' extended stay this year might make it memorable enough for him to return next year."
"Chonkers arrived around mid-March, taking up more space than the other sea lions on the docks, and he continued to hang out and gain more notoriety with each passing week. The nickname appears to have come from Reddit where else? where one user joked that he was of the species Chonkus maximus."
"Stellar sea lions are lighter in color than their California counterparts and about three times as large, and males have different shaped heads than California sea lions, with a more lion-mane-esque bulk with longer hair around their necks."
Chonkers, a massive Steller sea lion, became a viral sensation during an extended stay at Pier 39 in San Francisco lasting approximately one to six weeks, beginning in mid-March. The unusually long visit attracted significant tourist attention and media coverage. Steller sea lions typically inhabit deeper ocean waters, with most populations residing off Alaska's coast, making Bay appearances rare. Chonkers' nickname originated from Reddit users joking about the species "Chonkus maximus." Steller sea lions are substantially larger than California sea lions, lighter in color, and possess distinctive maned heads with longer neck hair. After departing several days before confirmation, Chonkers left behind disappointed tourists and curious observers.
Read at sfist.com
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