It was a dark and difficult time for San Francisco in the months following October 1989. The community was focused on getting themselves back on their feet after the Loma Prieta earthquake rocked the Bay Area. Then something extraordinary occured: California Sea Lions began arriving in PIER 39's Marina. 

They came sparingly at first, but soon began arriving in droves, quickly reaching more than 500 in January 1990. With a protected enviornment and a plentiful supply of food from the Bay, the sea lions quickly decided to make PIER 39's K-Dock their new home. The Marina staff turned to The Marine Mammal Center for advice about their new slippery tenants. After much debate and research, the experts from The Marine Mammal Center reccomended that the sea lions be allowed to stay. 

The boisterious barking pinnipeds were a bright spot, and made local, national, and international headlines. It was truly a phenomenon that brought a lot of joy to many. Fast forward 35 years and these wonderful mammals continue to delight millions of guests annually. 

Visit https://www.pier39.com/sealions/ and watch the California Sea Lions at PIER 39 on our live webcam.