It's been 25 years since San Francisco’s famous sea lions first showed up at Pier 39. Since then, the animals have become a city icon.
The sea lions started first appeared after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, when San Francisco was trying to pick up the pieces in the weeks and months following the devastation. Experts say they were probably following a huge run of sardines and decided to stay.
The sea lions are usually found toward the back of Pier 39, known as K-Dock.
The Sea Lion Center held a news conference Friday morning to commemorate the anniversary of the sea lions’ arrival, even though it’s early in the season, so only a few of the mammals were on hand for the celebration. Their numbers rise and fall with the seasons, food supply and migration patterns.
All weekend long, including Monday, docents will be giving free educational walking tours so visitors can learn more about the sea lions, hearing about their story and the critical issues they face in the wild.
The Sea Lion Center upstairs from the K-Dock, kicked off the 25th anniversary celebration with some music, cake and speeches. The center is using the anniversary to highlight the work it does educating the public about sea lions as well as maintaining a sustainable environment for sea lions everywhere.
