Experts baffled as San Francisco's sea lions suddenly quit town

The famous sea lions of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf have disappeared after 20 years - leaving experts baffled as to why.

Last month, Pier 39 groaned under the weight of some 1,500 of the animals. But now all but a few have swum off bringing to an end a two-decade long sojourn - and one of the world's smelliest tourist attractions.

The first bull sea lions arrived in late 1989, but the animals began to depart in November. Officials hope the departure is only temporary - as a 20th anniversary party had been planned for 15 January.



Marine experts suspect that the animals originally came to Fisherman's Wharf chasing their favourite food - sardines and anchovies. And they suspect that is why they have gone.

Although the hunt for food seems the likeliest reason for their disappearance, experts admit it is a mystery.

One more outlandish theory is that their departure is the sign of an imminent earthquake.