Pier 39 sea lions arrival after 1989 earthquake

Sea lions began hauling out on the docks of Pier 39 in October 1989 following the Loma Prieta earthquake, an event documented by local media and marine observers. Their presence quickly became a regular and highly photographed wildlife attraction, with population counts and behavior monitored by volunteers and researchers. The sea lions remain one of Fisherman's Wharf's most visited natural sights and are cited in San Francisco wildlife and tourism accounts.