After the Loma Prieta earthquake, when the first sea lions came to Pier 39 for a nap, it was considered a natural novelty. By early 1990, when K-Dock was completely overrun, boat owners raised a ruckus almost as loud as the chorus of barking pinnipeds. Luckily for the rest of us, research showed there was no safe way to discourage the sea lions from hauling out or hanging out. Finally, Fisherman's Wharf offered something locals could enjoy. A decade later, over 1,700 beasts arrived with a taste for fresh herring. They've been more than welcome. These days, we've got a Sea Lion Center and webcams that offer close-ups of their specially constructed sea floats. For the 25th Anniversary of the Sea Lions' Arrival, we are expecting some sea-mammal glamour — maybe an extra-big head crest, or some of those upmarket females who never leave Southern California's Channel Islands. For certain, naturalists are on hand to offer free treats and Sea Lion Encounter Walking Tours.
Tours leave every hour 11 a.m.-4 p.m. until Monday from the sea lion statue, west of Pier 39, Beach Street and The Embarcadero.
415-705-5500
Comments are closed.
