San Fran regains sea lion of approval
Tourists, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts flock to San Francisco to spot the sea lions who have returned to Pier 39 in the city - after inexplicably leaving in November 2009.
The animals caused concern when they vacated their post on the pier, which they originally populated 20 years ago. Various reasons for the disappearance - including weather and the behaviour of people nearby - were mooted, but none stuck. Although sea lions are a migratory species, their uncharacteristic abandonment of the area caused consternation.
Now, though, they're back to bask: and have once again become popular among daytrippers and those interested in learning more about the area's wildlife.
