""He's like a Volkswagen! He's so huge!" said Oluwaseyi Akinbobola, a visitor from Los Angeles who had an extra half hour so she ran down to the pier for a hopeful peek of the elusive sea lion."
""He's so precious, and he's quite literally humongous," said San Francisco resident Danielle Ovadia, highlighting the community's affection for Chonkers."
""He's trying to fit in, but he sticks out like a sore thumb," said Laura Gill, public programs manager at The Marine Mammal Center, describing Chonkers' attempts to mingle with other sea lions."
Chonkers, a massive Steller sea lion, has captured the attention of visitors at San Francisco's Pier 39. First spotted last month, he weighs between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds and is known for his endearing attempts to snuggle with other sea lions. The presence of sea lions at the pier began after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, growing from one to over 300 in a short time. Chonkers' unique size and behavior have made him a local celebrity, fostering community interest and affection.
Read at Kqed
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