Otter Becomes First Released by Monterey Aquarium to Give Birth

A sea otter that was cared for by scientists then released has given birth to a pup.

It was the first baby born to a rehabilitated otter in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 16-year otter research and conservation program.

The male pup was born in November and appears to be healthy, said Andrew Johnson, manager of the aquarium’s sea otter programs. The mother seems to be fine, too.

“The fact that she appears to be rearing her pup successfully is very gratifying to all of us,” he said. “It provides confirmation that rehabilitated pups can thrive, socialize and reproduce after release.”

What makes the birth even more encouraging to program officials is that the mother is just 3 years old.

“Most wild females give birth to their first pups at 3 to 4 years of age, so she is a little young,” said Michelle Staedler, the otter program’s research coordinator. “About 50% of first-time moms lose their pups in the first few weeks.”

Nearly 200 otters, both adults and pups, have come through the program since it was started in 1984.

The female otter was rescued March 3, 1997, off Yankee Point south of Carmel. Just 5 weeks old, she was found wedged in rocks. She was released after 22 weeks in the aquarium.

A radio transmitter was attached to the otter so researchers could keep track of her, and shore observations confirmed she had a baby. To protect the mother and baby, the aquarium did not disclose their whereabouts.