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Meet the Sea Otters: Species, Habitat, and Behaviors

The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is more than just a cute face. This marine mammal plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health and diversity of marine ecosystems. From their unique behaviors to their threatened habitats, there's a lot to learn and appreciate about these incredible creatures, and there’s no better time to do so than Sea Otter Awareness Week, which takes place during the last full week of September (September 24th-30th in 2023). Introduction to the Enhydra Lutris Species Size and Physical Characteristics…

Our 2023 funding awardees are working hard for sea otters

Every year we issue funding awards to programs and projects benefitting sea otters to ensure their recovery.  So far, our 2023 recipients have had a productive year and their work continues into the fall. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium We are excited to announce that the new state-of-the-art aquarium facility at Kansas City Zoo featuring sea otters opened on September 1.  Sea Otter Foundation & Trust’s grant made significant contributions to relocating the sea otters to Kansas as well as provided funding to purchase…

raft of sea otters, group of sea otters

Why Sea Otters Are So Important to Their Ocean Habitat: The Role of Sea Otters in Ecosystem Balance

Sea otters — with their playful demeanor and iconic appearance — are more than just adorable creatures. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ocean habitat, making them indispensable to the ecosystem. This article explores the sea otter habitat, the importance of sea otters, and the role of sea otters in the ecosystem. The Sea Otter Habitat The sea otter (Enhydra lutris) is a marine mammal native to the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean and has…