California’s sea lions are probably the best thing that happened at the overrated Pier 39. These coastal charismatic mammals come in droves at Pier 39’s docks during winter and in fact they love being the centre of attraction! They can also get rowdy, slamming their bodies on top of each other whilst sparking comical gawky sounds and showing off their cute whiskers.
I really enjoyed these lovely sweet-looking creatures that I went to visit them twice. If only I could pinch their fat stuffy bodies and kiss their pretty noses and hug them forever. Oh, I can really use a real pet =)
It is unclear why the mammals have migrated to the pier but my wild guesses would be along the lines of:
1) Being closer to the food source (the human penchant to feed any living thing)
2) The sea lions felt safer inside the bay (no hostile bigger mammals pursuing them as potential food)
More fotos of the animals here:
Alright, why do these sea lions sit on their stomachs and point their noses up to the sky? Is it the sun or are they just proud animals loving the attention?
And as for the (everyone is talking about) Pier 39 Marina?
Pier 39 is located in Fisherman’s Wharf.
We passed through quickly grabbing something to eat near the entrance. We never came back, glad the sea lions are outside. Pier 39 is crowded with shops, restaurants and little squares in very artificial Disney-style setting. It’s just not my cup of tea, but maybe for others it is. I prefer the Fisherman’s Wharf where the seafood stalls are located (entry soon), more candid.
Travel Period: March 2011
Destination: San Francisco (California), USA