Long Beach aquarium rehabilitates otter pup using a surrogate mom:
The pup could become Aquarium of the Pacific's first surrogate-raised otter to return to the ...
latimes.com/environment/story/2024-04-11/surrogate-otter-program-long-beach-aquarium
Photo: latimes.com · view article
Innovative Care Program for Orphaned Sea OttersSince 2023, Long Beach Aquarium has doubled California’s capacity to raise orphaned otters with a 75% success rate for wild release.
Key FactsApr 11, 2024 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: latimes.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: latimes.com
- Millie, a surrogate sea otter mother, is teaching an orphaned pup vital survival skills such as foraging and grooming.
- Sea otters play a key role in coastal ecosystems by controlling urchin populations that threaten kelp forests.
- The Long Beach Aquarium launched its surrogate program in 2023, expanding California’s ability to rehabilitate orphaned otters.
- The pup’s release depends on meeting developmental milestones before returning to its natural habitat.
It's all instinctual, and she's doing it way better than any human ever can,— Megan Smylie, sea otter program manager at the Long Beach Aquarium, commenting on the surrogate otter program.
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