CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- More cuteness has been added at the Shedd Aquarium.
The Shedd Aquarium announced Thursday that it has taken in two orphaned southern sea otter pups that were rescued by California's Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The otter pups arrived at Shedd on Monday and are receiving around the clock care from Shedd’s animal care and veterinarian teams behind the scenes. The Shedd said the pups, temporarily referred to as Pups 870 and 872, will remain behind the scenes in the Regenstein Sea Otter Nursery for a few months as they reach important development milestones and build bonds with the care staff and the other otters at Shedd before they are officially introduced to the otter habitat.
According to the Shedd, both otter pups are male and only one week apart in age. Pup 872 is estimated to be 9 weeks old, weighing in at 13.4 pounds and Pup 870 is estimated to be 10 weeks old, weighing in at 17 pounds.
The first pup, Pup 870, was discovered stranded on May 18 near Stillwater Cove in Carmel Bay. Although the pup was healthy, it was unsuccessful in finding its mother and staff did not want to leave the pup vulnerable and alone. The second pup, Pup 872, was brought into Monterey Bay two days later, on May 20. It was found in distress and vocalizing in high winds and heavy surf at Asilomar State Beach. According to the Shedd, the pup was shivering, hypothermic and its coat was filled with sand – suggesting it was tossed in the surf. The decision was made to immediately take in the pup for stabilization.
The Shedd has been busy caring for the two orphaned sea otter pups, between feeding, check-ups, grooming, playing and more.
The Shedd will continue to provide updates on the pups’ development over the subsequent months and when guests can expect to see them in the sea otter habitat. Shedd will also share any plans around naming the pups as they formalize.
According to the Shedd, only a handful of facilities in the United States have available space, staff and experience to provide that level of care. Currently, 11 institutions across North America, including Shedd, provide homes for 36 non-releasable southern sea otters.
These two pups are the latest success story in the continued partnership between Shedd and Monterey Bay. Some folks may remember when Shedd brought in Luna in 2014 or Ellie in 2016 – both otters that were rescued and brought in through Monterey’s sea otter program before arriving in Chicago.