Found hauled out on a dock, southern sea otter Hanai was starving and in clear need of help. Southern sea otters are a threatened species, so the survival of each individual is critical to the future of the population. Luckily, Hanai was safely rescued and brought to our hospital for care. There, our animal care experts determined that not only was she malnourished, but she was also suffering from two potentially fatal conditions: toxoplasmosis, which can cause brain infections, and Sarcocystis, which can make it difficult for an animal to eat or breathe. With a specialized treatment plan that included a diet of seafood delicacies like shrimp, clam, squid and crab, Hanai began to regain her strength. After weeks of care, she was behaving like a healthy wild sea otter should, grooming and diving into the pool when approached by people. Hanai returned to her ocean home with a new lease on life. In fact, shortly after her release, she was spotted successfully foraging, grooming and resting in her old territory along the Central California coast.

Adopt Hanai

photo © The Marine Mammal Center / USFWS permit MA101713-1