Brooklyn, NY, USA - October 17, 2024

[Note: partially no sound]

The New York Aquarium celebrated a heartwarming addition to its Sea Cliffs exhibit on October 17, 2024, as two southern sea otters made their public debut. These adorable marine mammals, both female and non-releasable due to early life rescues off California's coast, have found a new sanctuary far from their native waters.

These otters, integral to coastal ecosystems, are not just charming to watch; they represent a lifeline for kelp forests, which thrive thanks to the otters' appetite for sea urchins. By controlling urchin numbers, these otters indirectly protect the vital kelp, which serves as a habitat for numerous marine species and acts as a significant carbon sink.

Dr. Leigh Ann Clayton, Director of the New York Aquarium, expressed her delight, "We are thrilled to welcome these two otters into our family. Their presence here is more than entertainment; it's a commitment to conservation and education about the pivotal role southern sea otters play in ocean health."

Since 1991, the aquarium has been a refuge for 11 rescued sea otters, showcasing its dedication to marine wildlife conservation. These otters, under the protective umbrella of the United States Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, are part of a broader effort by accredited zoos and aquariums to support the survival of this threatened species. With an estimated wild population of just 3,000, every otter's story adds a chapter to the ongoing narrative of conservation success and challenges.