While an enormous sea lion named Chonkers makes a splash in San Francisco, you don’t have to live in the Golden City to sneak a peek.

A giant Steller sea lion nicknamed "Chonkers" has unexpectedly arrived at Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf, drawing crowds as he lounges among the much smaller resident sea lions.

"He's an early riser," said Andrea Jesson, a Marine Mammal Center volunteer who arrived with a camera, hoping to catch the city's celebrity of the moment, who has been profiled by the Wall Street Jour...