(NEWPORT, Ore.) After a 3-week-old sea otter pup was found stranded in Asilomar State Marine Reserve in May, he has arrived at his new home at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Earle the southern sea otter pup was cold, lethargic and weighed about 6.5 pounds when he was rescued. His mother wasn't located and it was unlikely that the pup would survive on his own.
He was taken to Monterey Bay Aquarium where he received ongoing care and treatment. Earle was deemed non-releasable by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and it was decided he would reside at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, one of only 15 U.S. organizations allowed to hold sea otters.
Earle was flown to the aquarium on July 22 with assistance from the nonprofit Turtles Fly Too. The aquarium says he’s currently behind-the-scenes while he adjusts to the new environment and learns typical otter behavior. He will soon be introduced to the other otters.
“We are so excited to welcome Earle to the Aquarium,” said Brittany Blades, the aquarium’s curator of marine mammals. “His survival story really speaks to the amazing things that happen when people come together to support wildlife. Earle will act as an ambassador for his species, connecting guests with ocean life and inspiring conservation. That connection is crucial to the protection and preservation of sea otters and other endangered species.
According to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Earle was named after Sylvia Earle, a scuba diver, oceanographer and research scientist passionate about conservation.