Orphaned Sea Otter Pup Is in Good Hands

This little guy was rescued in Alaska earlier this month, after observers noticed him and his mother stranded on a beach. Sadly, his mother did not make it, but the pup is now at the Alaska SeaLife Center for monitoring and care. The ASLC writes:

A caller to the ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline (888-774-7325) reported a pair of otters on a remote beach in the western Kenai Peninsula. Observers sent photographs and described a disheartening scene to ASLC hotline operators. They saw a moribund female sea otter that was barely moving or breathing with her juvenile pup vocalizing on top of her. The condition of the mother was dire, and the team determined she would likely not survive a transport back to Seward or treatment. Efforts were then focused on saving the male pup, estimated to be around four months old and too young to survive on its own.

With approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the pup was admitted to the ASLC Wildlife Response program for care… The pup was examined upon arrival to ASLC and found to be underweight, but otherwise alert and strong. After the exam, he was swimming energetically and eating solid food. Over the next several days the team will be closely monitoring him for signs of illness or challenges keeping his coat in good condition.

Photos by Alaska SeaLife Center, top photo by ASLC Wildlife Response Animal Care Specialist Emily