22-year-old southern sea otter passes away on Earth Day

The oldest living southern sea otter at a zoo or aquarium has passed away.

According to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Charlie the otter passed away on Earth Day, April 22nd.

The aquarium said Charlie turned 22-years-old in March. Charlie was only the second sea otter on record to live that long.

According to the aquarium, in the wild, male southern sea otters usually only live 10 to 14 years, but they can live up to 22 years or more in a zoo or aquarium environment.

Charlie was orphaned in 1997 and sent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in 1998.

Charlie also helped with scientific research giving blood samples and participating in studies. From 2011 to 2013, the Aquarium of the Pacific said Charlie participated in a study of how sea otters perceive sound at the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Marine lab.

The study’s results could help government agencies making decisions on regarding ocean noise.

Charlies fans and supporters will be able to honor his life at the Aquarium of the Pacific on April 28th from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m.

For more information click here.