Orphaned Sea Otter Will Be Raised By Seattle Aquarium

A sea otter pup orphaned in Alaska has found a new home at the Seattle Aquarium.

The pup, named Lootas, a Haida word for “wave eater,” will be hand raised by humans in a nursery with a special water bed, aquarium director Cindi Shiota said.

The 4- to 6-week-old female otter was orphaned when its mother was hit by a passing boat. Otters are usually very dependent on their mothers for the first six months of life.

Lootas is being cared for in Anchorage until she can be flown to Seattle.

The aquarium is seeking donations to help cover the costs of caring for Lootas. Transportation and care will exceed $10,000.