After an 18-month hiatus courtesy of Mother Nature's wrath, the iconic bronze sea lion sculpture by artist Al Sybrian is back on its watery watch, anchoring itself once more to Sausalito's southern waterfront. In a spectacle that probably disrupted the morning commute last Wednesday, the sculpture, weighing nearly 2,000 lbs., was hoisted back into place courtesy of a crane.
This monumental task came on the heels of its unintended sabbatical, which began in January 2023 after a fierce winter storm sent it tumbling from its post. According to a Sausalito City news release, the considerable undertaking of the sea lion's repair and restoration was an engineering challenge and a community effort. The city staff, alongside Sausalito Foundation, local artisans, engineers, and area contractors, delved into the work, ensuring the sea lion would again stand sentinel over the harbor.
However, it wasn't just elbow grease and technical know-how that got the sea creature back on its concrete perch. This revival was also bankrolled by Sausalito's good people and businesses. Their generous donations underpinned the entire project, securing the seal's spot on the waterfront.
