RON HENGGELER

June 1, 2024
1000 California sea lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco

More than 1,000 sea lions have hauled out at San Francisco’s Pier 39 this spring, the largest herd in at least 15 years. The number of sea lions this year is competing with an all-time record of 1,701 in November 2009.

A short video of the sea lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

WHY ARE THEY HERE?
A few California sea lions began hauling out at K-Dock shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. At first they numbered from 10-50, but due to a plentiful herring supply, the available dock space and the protected environment, the boisterous barking pinnipeds soon started arriving at PIER 39 in droves. Within a few short months, the number of sea lions grew to more than 300, and hit an all-time record of 1,701 in November 2009.

Salesforce Tower . . . . Coit Tower . . . . Transamerica Pyramid

Marine Mammal Center

During the summer months, most California sea lions travel south to breed and give birth, although a small group often chooses to stay at PIER 39 throughout the year.
The number of sea lions at PIER 39 typically increases after the first week of August.

A short video of the sea lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

Alcatraz

Marine Mammal Center

A short video of the sea lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

Sea Lion Center Live Cam

Marine Mammal Center

A short video of the sea lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

a short video of 1000 barking sea lions at Pier 39

Sea Lion Center Live Cam

a short video of 1000 barking sea lions at Pier 39

a short video of 1000 barking sea lions at Pier 39

Sea Lion Center Live Cam

Marine Mammal Center

a short video of 1000 barking sea lions at Pier 39

Coit Tower . . . . Salesforce Tower . . . Transamerica Pyramid

Coit Tower . . . . Salesforce Tower

Transamerica Pyramid

Pier 39

Alcatraz