You Can Now Take Chonkers, SF's Massive 'Sea-lebrity,' Home

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Ever wanted to take home a 2,000-pound sea lion?

Well, now you can, sort of.

The Marine Mammal Center, a nonprofit and the world's largest marine mammal hospital, is now selling pre-orders of Chonkersthe steller lion plushies. They're equally adorable as San Francisco's latest "sea-lebrity," but only a fraction of the size.

"Inspired by the real Chonkers—the beloved 2,000-pound Steller sea lion who calls PIER 39 in San Francisco home—this plush captures the gentle giant's iconic charm," according to The Marine Mammal Center. "Cuddle up with a piece of San Francisco Bay Area wildlife history. Perfect for visitors who've spotted him, locals who adore him, and anyone enchanted by marine life."

Purchases of the plush go directly to supporting The Marine Mammal Center's work in protecting marine animals.

Chonkers, who has apparently cruised through the Bay Area for more than a decade, recently became a viral sensation after people started posting his photo online.

Being a steller, sea lion, Chonkers is quite noticeable at Pier 39, outsizing the smaller California sea lions. Droves of people have been heading to the area each day in hopes of catching a glimpse of the massive sea lion.

Chonkers seems to have arrived at the dock sometime in March, most likely due to an abundance of food in the area, and experts have been tracking the massive sea lion since, according to the Wall Street Journal.