The sea lion saga at Pier 39 continues. While the beloved Steller sea lion known as "Chonkers" has apparently moved on to greener — or fishier — waters, his equally massive companion, affectionately dubbed "Chonk Junior" by regulars, is still commanding his dock space like he pays rent. And honestly? He might be the only resident of San Francisco who's actually gotten bigger this year instead of being squeezed out by rising costs.

For the uninitiated, Pier 39's sea lion colony has been one of the city's genuinely great free attractions since the marine mammals first claimed the docks in 1990. No permits. No environmental impact reports. No seven-year approval process through the Planning Commission. They just showed up and stayed. In a city where building a single housing unit requires an act of God and three community meetings, you have to admire the efficiency.

The current crew reportedly includes some "extra chonky" California sea lions lounging alongside the remaining Steller — a species that's notably larger and rarer to spot this far into the Bay. It's a free wildlife show that draws tourists and locals alike, requiring exactly zero dollars in public funding to operate.

There's a small lesson here for City Hall, if anyone's paying attention: sometimes the best things San Francisco offers are the ones the government didn't plan, didn't fund, and can't take credit for. The sea lions don't need a $5 million feasibility study. They don't need a nonprofit with a six-figure executive director to manage their vibes. They just need a dock and some fish.

Long live the Chonk.