The Ark In Space

Sea Lebrities: The Sea Lions of Pier 39

Monday, 25 August 2025

We often read about people taking over the natural habitat of other species but it is rare to come across a case where the animals come back and reclaim their territory from us. Yet this is exactly what has happened in San Francisco. Local Californian Sea Lions have always been present in the city’s bay but had been pushed out to Seal Rocks, a small formation at the north end of the Ocean Beach. Pier 39’s K-Dock was developed and opened in 1978. Little did we know that the sea lions also had their eyes on this particular piece of seaside real estate.

Image Credit Flicrk User WallyG

Image Credit Flickr User WallyG

They bided their time but their opportunity to move in (or back, if you argue that their presence along the Californian coastline predates human occupation by tens of thousands of years) came just over a decade later in 1989. It was then that it was decided that the docks needed refurbishment. In order to facilitate this all the boats had to be removed from Pier 39. This left large open spaces inside the Bay. A small number of sea lions saw their opportunity. They metaphorically weighed anchor from the stony slopes of Seal Rocks and began to arrive at Pier 39.

Surf City Surf Dogs Catch the Waves

Sunday, 14 May 2017

Dogs are like people in some respects. Many are homebodies and prefer their creature comforts. Others prefer to be a little more adventurous. Although not a species renowned for its participation in extreme sports there is a cross section of the canine community which likes nothing better than to take to the waves – on surf boards.

Now in its fifth year the Surf City Surf Dog event, held in Huntington Beach, California brings together over forty surf fans together with their human companions who are there to ensure that all the fun is safe for the surfer dogs. This fund-raising event helps to raise awareness of various dog related causes, including animal rescue and medical care.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Saturday, 10 November 2012

Nature is never too far away, even if you live in a highly populated place like California. Point Reyes National Seashore is somewhere that offers the visitor vast tracts of wilderness and incredibly diverse wildlife.

It is particularly noted for being an Ule Elk reserve and the wintering grounds of the Elephant Seal. This wonderful video by Matt Brass explores this sublime and peaceful stretch of US coastline.

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