Spinny
Southern Sea Otter
Enhydra lutris
Southern sea otter Spinny was brought to our hospital for rehabilitative care after being found exhausted and suffering from shark bite wounds. Spinny’s injuries prevented him from grooming properly, which is an important behavior in the wild because a sea otter’s only defense against chilly ocean water is its thick fur.
Needing hands-on care, Spinny was housed in our sea otter tote, an area specially designed for our most vulnerable sea otter patients. In fact, he was the first patient to use this tote as part of a treatment regimen. From the air temperature to the water level, the tote can be customized for a patient’s needs—perfect for a sea otter like Spinny that couldn’t stay warm!
As Spinny started to heal, he was moved to a deeper pool so he could get more exercise and regain his strength. After nearly three months of care, Spinny was released back to the wild with a second chance at life.
photo by Bill Hunnewell © The Marine Mammal Center / USFWS permit MA101713-1
- Age at Admit
- Juvenile
- Weight at Admit
- 13.60 kgs
- Sex
- Male
- Rescue Location
- Pismo State Beach (North Beach Campground) - Oceano, San Luis Obispo
- Diagnosis
- Anemia, Trauma, Enteropathy, Hypoglycemia
- Admitted
- 08/28/2021
- Status
- Released
- Release Date
- 11/10/2021
- Release Location
- Avila Beach
Yes, I want to save a life!
Yes, I want to save a life!
You’ll be giving sick and injured animals the best possible care at the Center’s state-of-the-art hospital. With your gift today, you are giving a patient a second chance at life in the wild.
