Incredible sight on the pier in San Francisco (5 photos + 1 video)

Pier 39 in San Francisco has become a favorite tourist destination. This is where the California sea lion rookery is located. Recently, more than a thousand individuals gathered to bask in the sun - this is a record for the last 15 years!





"When sea lions get together, they are much more energetic. They say their rookery is like a giant party," said pier keeper Sheila Chandor.



Sea lions first appeared at Pier 39 after the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989, and their numbers reached a record high of 1,701 in November 2009.





The sharp increase in the number of individuals is associated with the appearance of large accumulations of anchovies in the waters of the bay, which allow them to gain strength before the mating season.

The animals are expected to stay here for a few more weeks before heading south to the Channel Islands.



There is a webcam installed on the pier, so you can watch the playful mammals online.