Chonkers the Sea Lion Disappears, Impostor Dupes Crowds at San Francisco's Pier 39

A massive Steller sea lion named Chonkers, who had been drawing crowds to San Francisco's Pier 39 since mid-March, has not been seen for days as of May 7, 2025. A large California sea lion has been mistaken for him, fooling visitors and even a photographer. Chonkers, weighing between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds, is significantly larger than the California sea lions that typically inhabit the pier. He likely traveled from a breeding colony in the Farallon Islands, swimming under the Golden Gate Bridge. Pier 39 has been a gathering spot for California sea lions since late 1989. Chonkers has visited the pier for the past 15 years, usually staying only a few days. The mistaken identity was discovered when photographer Brontë Wittpenn realized the sea lion she photographed was smaller and lighter. Experts from the Marine Mammal Center and NOAA confirmed the mix-up. Chonkers may return next year.