Featured Image Credit:TechTimes
By Shelby Hoover
On March 30, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas located in New Orleans introduced Ruby the rescued sea otter to the public… Meet Ruby!
Ruby was found abandoned in California as a day-old pup on September 12, 2015 and was rescued by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. After a period of care, the otter appeared to be in good health and able to return back to the wild. However, after several unsuccessful attempts, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service determined that she could not survive on her own in the wild.
At 18 months old, Ruby was transferred to her new home in New Orleans where she joins Clara, an 8-year old female current resident of the aquarium.
Clara and Ruby’s introduction is “otter-ly” adorable. Check out the video below!
Ruby and Clara will enjoy a custom made, 25,000-gallon exhibit complete with swimming pools, waterfalls and a rocky nook that is much like their natural habitat! At the aquarium, husbandry staff provide Ruby and Clara with customized enrichment programs complete with a wide range of toys, treats and training.
Sea otters are an endangered species with populations steadily decreasing. Sea otters were hunted during the 18th & 19th centuries for their dense fur which lead to a large decline in populations. Now, they are facing a decrease in populations due to pollutants in water ways, oil spills and low food availability.
We have feeling Ruby will be very happy here and will join Clara as a great ambassador for sea other conservation!
Here is a bonus video because Ruby is an absolute GEM and we can’t get enough!