Massive 2,000-pound sea lion shocks tourists at iconic US hot spot: 'He's like a Volkswagen!'

He's getting a "seal" of approval - and stealing the spotlight.

The massive sea lion dwarfs the smaller animals that typically crowd the docks.

Visitors snapped photos and gathered along the pier Thursday morning as the enormous sea lion flopped onto the docks, surrounded by dozens of smaller California sea lions that typically inhabit the area.

"There's plenty of food in San Francisco Bay for them … a lot of easy prey for them," she said.

Despite his size, the Steller sea lion has been seen attempting to snuggle among the smaller animals for warmth, though he "sticks out like a sore thumb," Gill said.

Sea lions have gathered at Pier 39 since shortly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, whose epicenter was in nearby Santa Cruz County, when a small number of animals began occupying the docks before growing into a well-known tourist attraction.

Chonkers has been most visible in the early morning hours and can be difficult to spot later in the day, adding urgency for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse.

Officials say it remains to be seen whether more Steller sea lions will follow, but for now, the oversized visitor has become an overnight, and perhaps overweight sensation at one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.