A stranded sea otter reared as a pup by one of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s exhibit sea otters before being released to the wild two years ago, has given birth to a pup of her own. It’s the first time in the history of the Aquarium’s Sea Otter Research and Conservation program (SORAC) that a surrogate-reared animal has successfully raised a pup in the wild.
The male pup was born in waters near Moss Landing sometime between July 21 and 28. He appears strong and healthy, according to SORAC Animal Care Coordinator Karl Mayer. Now almost four months old, the pup is foraging on its own, although he still solicits food from his mother, Mayer said. The surrogate-reared mother, who was released to the wild in 2006, seems to be handling first-time motherhood very well, he added.
“She appears to be rearing her pup successfully, and that is very gratifying to all of us at the Aquarium,” Mayer said. “The birth is significant because it supports our hypothesis that surrogate-reared pups can survive to adulthood and reproduce successfully.” Aquarium staff will continue to track and monitor the progress of the mother and pup.
Sea Otter Surrogate Moms at the Aquarium
The Aquarium has been involved in sea otter conservation efforts for over 20 years, and more than 450 sea otters—both adults and pups—have come through the SORAC program. The Aquarium’s staff and veterinarians have developed methods of feeding and caring for these animals that have resulted in a high survival rate for stranded pups as well as adults that are injured or diseased.