VANCOUVER — A sea otter pup that arrived at the Vancouver Aquarium’s rescue centre last month is now growing quickly and needs a name.
The pup, which was estimated to be two to four weeks old at the time, was found swimming alone near Port Hardy on June 25. Spotting no adult sea otter nearby, boaters collected the sea otter pup and brought it to shore before contacting officials.
The Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre then made arrangements to take in the sea otter pup and provide it the necessary care required in the first six months of their lives. Officials reminded the public that it is illegal to capture stranded or injured marine mammals and that the rescue centre should be contacted first.
An update shared this week said the pup is now between six to eight weeks old and weighs about four kilograms.
“He is still nursing from the bottle, eating 25 per cent of his body weight per day in a special otter pup formula made by our animal care team,” the update read.
“Just this week, in addition to the bottle, he started eating solid food; 5 grams of clams per feed. He loves his clams!”
The pup is also becoming adept at diving and retrieving items from the bottom of his swim tub, and remains under 24-hour care and feeds every three hours.
The aquarium is now seeking feedback on what to name the pup: Hardy, Kasa or Masik.
The public is invited to vote at the Vancouver Aquarium’s website for the chance to win a four-pack of admission to the aquarium and an Aquadopt kit. You can vote online at vanaqua.org/experience/otter-naming-contest.
