By Danielle Cookish
Folks, we have the trifecta: heartwarming story, adorable pictures, and a video so cute you won’t be able to watch it just once.
On September 30, a visitor to Coastways Beach heard a very young otter pup alone and crying out. Marine officials were notified immediately. Due to the remote location and cover of nightfall, the pup was rescued first thing the next morning.
Weighing only 2 pounds and enduring an estimated 16 hours of separation from her mother, the pup was taken to Monterey Bay Aquarium where animal care experts were able to render treatment for four weeks until she stabilized.
Now weighing approximately 6 pounds and under the care of specialists at Shedd Aquarium of Chicago the cuteness abounds.
While it’s obvious this fluffy pup is receiving lots of love, caring for an orphaned otter is no easy task.
The folks at Shedd are caring for Pup 681 around the clock with feedings every few hours. They’re helping her learn how to dry herself after a bath and groom her fur. They’re essentially teaching a little otter how to be an otter.
Grooming is a fundamental behavior for otters as their fur is what keeps their bodies insulated and warm.
A video of our roly-poly friend being cared for has received a lot of attention for a good reason. IT’S ADORABLE.
Thanks to these wonderful organizations, Pup 681 has received a second chance at life.
You can help make a difference in the lives of these wonderful animals by supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to rescue and care for them. You can donate to the Shedd Aquarium and The Monterey Bay Aquarium by clicking the links.
Here’s one more for the road. IT’S JUST TOO MUCH.