T.D. Williams; P. Quinn-Gawlowski
Historically, sea otter pups which are stranded before three months of age
have had a very low survival rate. This probably resulted from their poor condition when rescued
combined with elementary rehabilitation efforts. The sea otters unique social and physical
requirements demanded that medical treatment and husbandry techniques be developed which would
be uncomplicated but effective. The techniques which have evolved over the past three years at
the Monterey Bay Aquarium have resulted in a 71% survival rate of pups regardless of their
medical condition when rescued. This paper addresses the husbandry techniques and medical
treatment utilized in successfully raising seven sea otter pups.