CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A rescued sea otter pup from Alaska is thriving at the Shedd Aquarium, and earlier this week it made its first public appearances.
When the male northern sea otter pup arrived at the Shedd in November 2023, officials estimated that he was about 8 weeks old. He was rescued by the Alaska SeaLife Center after being found stranded, wounded and in distress — with no mother in sight.
Since arriving, though, the staff at the aquarium said he’s made great progress.
According to the Shedd, the pup has doubled his weight and is now 20 pounds. That’s due, in part, to the animal care team’s success in teaching him how to forage by placing treats inside of toys or by putting food at the bottom of the otters’ 16-foot-deep habitat.
“It’s a rewarding moment for the team of caretakers and veterinarians, who have been supporting the pup since his arrival, to see him adapt to another space and tackle more milestones,” said Lana Gonzalez, manager of penguins and otters at Shedd Aquarium. “Now that there’s another opportunity to connect to him, this energetic, vocal otter will continue to capture the hearts of our audiences.”
The pup will eventually receive crabs and clams and learn how to hammer and pry them open. Officials said adult sea otters can weigh anywhere from 72 – 100 pounds.
They added that the new addition has also been mastering the art of grooming, a skill that allows sea otters to “survive in cold waters by meticulously maintaining their coat of fur.”
Next up, the still-to-be-named pup will slowly meet the other rescued otter at the Shedd for socialization.
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