Pier 39 Sea Lion Colony

California sea lions began hauling out regularly on the floating docks at Pier 39 in 1989 and have become a permanent and widely observed colony at that location. The animals attract large numbers of visitors who view them from the pier and designated viewing areas, and the colony's presence is documented by marine researchers and local managers. The sea lions' occupation of Pier 39 is an unusual urban wildlife phenomenon tied to the pier's floating structures and shelter conditions.