This patient is the first sea otter pup admitted to the Wildlife Response Program in 2021
The Homer Veterinary Clinic was called upon to administer fluids.
Seward, Alaska (August 12, 2021) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a
two-day-old sea otter pup to the Wildlife Response Program on August 8.
The female pup was found stranded on a remote beach in Seldovia by a family camping nearby.
“When we encountered this tiny creature who looked so helpless, we felt that we had to do
something. We remembered hearing that the Alaska SeaLife Center helps to rescue animals
in need, so we reached out. Luckily we had cell service where we were camping,” explains the
pup’s rescuers, Neil Waggoner and Marisa Jaso. An adult sea otter was spotted in the area, but
this animal did not approach the pup. After observing the pup for a day, the family sprung into action.
After receiving U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permission, the team at ASLC reached out to
stranding partner, Michael Opheium of the Seldovia Village Tribe, for assistance. He cared for
the otter overnight until she could be transported via water taxi to Homer the following day. The
Homer Veterinary Clinic was called upon to administer fluids before her long car ride to Seward.
This sea otter pup, weighing just under three pounds, arrived weak but fairly stable. The team
was concerned about her initially because generally sea otter pups are very vocal, but this pup
arrived more lethargic and silent. “Otter pups are very hands-on animals to begin with so seeing
this young pup come out of the kennel, barely reacting to staff, was concerning. After her exam it
was crucial to get some calories on board and thankfully she latched onto the bottle right away.
She has been eating well since then, so I am cautiously optimistic,” states Hanna Sundstrom,
Veterinary Assistant Specialist. After a few days of care, the pup has brightened, but the
veterinary team is continuing to monitor her closely.
While eight harbor seal pups are currently being cared for at the Center, this is the first sea otter
pup admitted to the Wildlife Response Program in 2021. Sea otter pups require round-the-clock
care so staffing will change drastically in the rehabilitation department in order to feed and
groom her every two hours.
