PIER 39 Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Sea Lions' Arrival

SAN FRANCISCO – (January 2015) –It was a dark and difficult time for San Francisco in the months following October 1989.  The community was focused on getting themselves back on their feet after the Loma Prieta earthquake rocked the Bay Area.  Then something extraordinary occurred: California Sea Lions began arriving in PIER 39's Marina.

They came sparingly at first, but soon began arriving in droves, quickly reaching more than 500 in January 1990.  With a protected environment and a plentiful supply of food from the Bay, the sea lions quickly decided to make PIER 39's K-Dock their new home.  The Marina Staff turned to The Marine Mammal Center for advice about their new slippery tenants.  After much debate and research, the experts from The Marine Mammal Center recommended that the sea lions be allowed to stay.

The boisterous barking pinnipeds were a bright spot, and made local, national and international headlines.  It was truly a phenomenon that brought a lot of joy to many.  Fast forward 25 years and these wonderful mammals continue to delight millions of guests annually.

PIER 39 sea lion fans can join the celebration by taking the Sea Lion Pledge to support a happy and healthy home for sea lions around the world.  For more information and to take the pledge, visit pier39.com/pledge.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:
For high-resolution photography or video, please contact Alissa Fiset at (415) 705-5562 or afiset@pier39.com.

About PIER 39
PIER 39 is a 45-acre waterfront complex that is a gathering place for millions of San Francisco locals and visitors each year.  The PIER is a two-level open-air marketplace featuring over 110 restaurants, shops and attractions, all surrounded by iconic views of the bay and San Francisco landmarks.  PIER 39 also includes a five-acre waterfront park and 300-berth marina, home to the world famous California sea lions.

About Aquarium of the Bay
Aquarium of the Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit marine nature center affiliated with The Bay Institute.  The Aquarium is dedicated to protecting, restoring and inspiring conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed-from the Sierra to the sea.  It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and certified as a Green Business by the City of San Francisco.  Located just steps away from the beautiful San Francisco Bay and on the world famous PIER 39, Aquarium of the Bay boasts two magnificent crystal clear acrylic tunnels, holding 700,000 gallons of carefully maintained bay water between them, which is home to approximately 30,000 marine animals.  Additional information on Aquarium of the Bay is available at aquariumofthebay.org, and on The Bay Institute at bay.org.

About The Sea Lion Center
The Sea Lion Center, located on Level 2 of PIER 39, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers free interpretive programs to compliment one of San Francisco's most iconic species.  Operated and managed by Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lion Center features interactive displays, educational videos, fascinating presentations and one-on-one interactions with naturalists.  Guests can touch real sea lion artifacts including pelts and skulls, and size themselves up next to a life-size sea lion skeleton.  The Sea Lion Center is open daily from 10am – 5pm.  For more information visit www.sealioncenter.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                         

MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:
SUE MUZZIN | PIER 39: (415) 705-5541
ALISSA FISET |PIER 39: (415) 705-5562
MALLORY JOHNSON | AQUARIUM OF THE BAY: (415) 623-5340