The Sea Lions at Pier 39 Fisherman’s Wharf - San Francisco
By traveltripz on Mar 13, 2008 in San Francisco, USA
Fisherman’s Wharf in San Fransisco is a great place to visit with plenty to see and one of the highlights are the sea lions at Pier 39.
These sea lions set up residence after the 1989 earthquake and although they come and go depending on the season there are a number of them that remain at Pier 39 all year round.
Most of the time the sea lions are lazing themselves on the specially made pontoons but now and then they will hop in and out of the water or bicker with each other much to the crowds amusement.
Although there were only around 10-50 seal lions in the beginning the population grew to around 300 within a few months because of the plentiful herring supply, protected environment and the floating docks for them to laze around on.
In the winter, the seal lion population can increase up to 900 of which the majority are male.
During the summer months the majority of the sea lions migrate south to the Channel Islands for the breeding season, but there is a small group that chooses to stay all year round at PIER 39’s K-Dock.
On the weekends, weather permitting, there are volunteer staff who man the Marine Mammal Center Kiosk which is located next to where the sea lions congregate. So if you have any questions about seal lion behaviour then visit the kiosk and pick up some of the brochures that give you all sorts of great information about the seal lions.
