It may seem like it by now, but the Pier 39 sea lions didn't always live here. In late 1989, a bunch of young male sea lions moved into the marina next to Pier 39. For a time, the owners fought a battle to keep them off the docks, but eventually they gave up.
Today, the Pier 39 sea lions are one of San Francisco's most popular attractions. However, even sea lions have to take care of business, and they leave every August to breed, coming back early the following year. By 2009, their numbers had swelled to about 1,600 - and then the Pier 39 sea lions left, all at once, leaving baffled tourists wondering if they'd gone to the wrong place to see them. They started returning in March, 2010, but no one seems to know exactly where they went or why.
If you're wondering what's going on with the Pier 39 sea lions right now, check them out on the Pier 39 Sea Lion webcam.
