Seward, Alaska (November 27, 2018) –The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a male sea otter pup on November 1, bringing the total number of sea otters currently receiving care at the Center to four.

Bystanders observed the 5-week-old pup crossing a road near the Homer spit and contacted ASLC’s Wildlife Response Team. Upon arrival to the Center, the pup was determined to be dehydrated, malnourished, and suffering from gastrointestinal issues. The pup responded well to treatment and is now stable. ASLC veterinarians state he will be under 24-7 care for at least a few more months due to his young age.

The three other otters in the Wildlife Response Program are doing well. Dixon, a male otter pup admitted to the Center in August from Homer, has cleared quarantine and since been introduced to female pup, Ranney, who was admitted in June from Prince William Sound. Dixon, admitted at 8 weeks, and Ranney, admitted at 1 week, are now both 6 months old and of similar size. Bishop, the eldest male otter who was rescued on New Year’s Day from Homer, just recently celebrated his first birthday in OctoberSea otter pups require the most extensive care out of any animal regularly admitted to ASLC for rehabilitation. “They depend on us for everything. Very young pups require bottle feedings every one to two hours. Between feeds, it’s our job to groom their dense fur coat in order to keep them clean and warm. Grooming can take up to an hour in itself,” states Animal Care Specialist, Halley Werner. Round-the-clock care, specialized formula, and treatments for these animals all come at a cost. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, much of the funds needed to care for animals, like sea otters, come from charitable giving like donations received from #GivingTuesday.

#GivingTuesday lands on November 27 this year and is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide. Holidays like #GivingTuesday are very helpful for the Center to gather the necessary support for sea otter’s needs. ASLC President and CEO Tara Riemer explains, “We have no federal or state funding to care for sea otters, and we rely on donations to keep this program going. We are very thankful to all who donate on #GivingTuesday. Your contributions support the care of all four of these high-maintenance otter pups!” Those who are interested in supporting the Alaska SeaLife Center’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit http://www.alaskasealife.org/donate.