The currently unnamed female Southern Sea Otter pup – known now only as “Pup 681” – is being fostered at the renowned Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. However, her journey began half-way across the United States in California. A civilian on an evening walk heard the cries of the orphaned otter and alerted The Marine Mammal Center. The next day the equally renowned Moneterey Bay Aquarium sent their Sea Otter Team to assist the California Department Fish and Wildlife Service in their rescue of the otter pup from her remote location along Coastaways Beach. Once back at the aquarium, the Sea Otter Program began round the clock rehabilitation and care for the week old female pup. The Program has been rescuing threatened Southern Sea Otters for twenty-five years and have 700 success stories to their credit. Still little 861 needed specialized care and, moreover, a permanent home. With space limited, the Program reached out to a fellow sea-otter facility and Shedd gladly accepted. On October 28th, Shedd announced their new arrival who is making a new home behind the scenes now. Caretakers report excellent progress for the pup including taking both formula and solids like shrimp and learning how to groom after swimming.

(Image Credit: Shedd Aquarium / Brenna Hernandez)

(Image Credit: Shedd Aquarium / Brenna Hernandez)

(Image Credit: Shedd Aquarium / Brenna Hernandez)

(Image Credit: Shedd Aquarium / Brenna Hernandez)
All the Sea Otters residing at the Shedd were rescued themselves. Soon, when 681 is old enough to begin socialization, they will have a new adopted family member.
Read more at ZooBorns and Shedd Aquarium. Also, stay tuned to The Good News Review for updates on little pup 681!
Get even more Good News Review by following us on Twitter @tgnreview!