Sea otter pup rescued from Carmel Beach finds permanent home in Chicago

Sea Otter Pup 719, the one who was rescued at Carmel Beach in January, has a permanent home in Chicago.

Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium took in the female pup on January 27 as part of a collaborative partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

The pup now weighs 11 pounds. She’s receiving care at Shedd’s Regenstein Sea Otter Nursery.

Both aquariums say Pup 719’s stranding is an example of how the changing conditions of our ocean and environment can impact animals.

“We might be facing record numbers of southern sea otter strandings that may be associated with storms caused by El Nio, our role as stewards and caretakers for these animals is as critical as ever,” said Karl Mayer, animal care coordinator for the Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Program.

Shedd trainers and veterinarians happily report Pup 719 is doing very well; eating solid foods, grooming on her own, and interacting with the trainers and vets.