Happy Birthday, Sekiu!

Via Seattle Aquarium, which writes:

Sea otter Sekiu was born here at the Seattle Aquarium on January 14, 2012—thirteen years ago [yesterday]! Look back at baby Sekiu to celebrate her big day. 🥹

Sekiu was born to mother Aniak [seen above] and father Adaa, and she was the last sea otter born in a zoological facility in the United States. Institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), like us, now prioritize keeping space available for sea otters that were rescued, rehabilitated and subsequently deemed non-releasable (like Mishka and Adaa were). 🦦

Sekiu has been surrounded by a lot of love her whole life—from her dedicated animal care team who works around the clock for her care to the countless visitors that have come to visit her over the years. Happy birthday, Sekiu! We ❤️ you!