We'll Miss You, Sweet Aniak

Seattle Aquarium announced the very sad passing of sea otter Aniak a few days ago. They write:

We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of Aniak, one of our beloved sea otters. Aniak was a 19-year-old female born here at the Seattle Aquarium to Lootas, our former sea otter matriarch. Aniak became a mother during her time at the Aquarium, giving birth to a male named Chugach in 2005, who moved to Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, and a female named Sekiu in 2012, who now lives at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

At 19, Aniak was an elderly sea otter. She'd been dealing with chronic skin issues for 6 years, and while she continued to do all the normal sea otter things, it had been a delicate balance to maintain her comfort while also minimizing side effects from the medications needed to reduce her symptoms. The Bird and Mammal team’s expert and diligent attention, along with the amazing veterinary care provided by Dr. Hadfield, allowed us to give Aniak the best life possible.

She inspired not only our staff and volunteers but also countless people who visited her in person or watched her on our webcams. She was gentle, yet spirited, and a devoted mother, and will be dearly missed by our staff, volunteers and visitors.

We’ll miss you, Aniak.