Throwback Thursday: Chippy the Sea Lion Steals Hearts on a California Highway Patrol Cruiser in 2004

CHP Sergeant Jon Baker was patrolling a rural road near Los Banos when he came across Chippy, about half a mile from the nearest water.Photo byCHP

In 2004, an unusual and heartwarming encounter between a sea lion and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in the Central Valley captured the attention of both locals and the nation. The sea lion, affectionately named "Chippy," was found sunbathing on the trunk of a CHP cruiser, making headlines and becoming a local sensation.

CHP Sergeant Jon Baker was patrolling a rural road near Los Banos when he came across Chippy, about half a mile from the nearest water source. It was suspected that Chippy had journeyed an astounding 100 miles from the Delta Region, navigating his way up the San Joaquin River and through the network of sloughs and canals that wind through California’s Central Valley.

Upon reaching dry land, Chippy apparently decided a patrol car was the perfect place to rest, stretching out on the trunk to soak up the California sun. The quirky scene quickly caught the attention of passersby and media alike. In no time, Chippy’s unexpected visit became a viral sensation, with news outlets from around the country covering the adorable incident.

This unexpected guest gave everyone something to smile about, offering a break from the typical traffic and safety updates that CHP officers like Sergeant Baker handle daily.