The sea lions that call Pier 39 home have something to celebrate. The cohabitation of the marine animals and businesses located on Pier 39 has existed for 20 years! Although the beginning of the relationship was rough, the subsequent years have become enjoyable and profitable for the city. The sea lions arrived at Pier 39 just after the 11989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The businesses and residents near the pier thought of the sea lions as noisy pests at first, but once the city realized that the animals were there to stay appropriate accommodations were built and the pests turned into a San Francisco tourist attraction.
The sea lions have inhabited the docks of Pier 39 at a constant rate until recent years. The marine mammal specialists at the Marine Mammal Center, an organization that strives to educate city tourists regarding the protection of marine mammals, has recorded drastic increases and decreases in the sea lion population at Pier 39. In October roughly 1,700 animals were inhabiting the docks and this month their numbers have dropped to less than 50. Many scientists speculate that a shortage of food has caused many of the animals to leave Pier 39 which means drastic changes for one of San Francisco's major tourist attractions. Many Pier 39 businesses are hoping to see a return of the sea lions in the coming months, but no one can be certain that will happen.
