SeaWorld San Diego has introduced a sea otter livestream as SeaWorld parks celebrate the rescue of 43,000 marine animals over the past 60 years.
Starting with the new digital experience at SeaWorld San Diego, this brings the theme park's sea otters directly to mobile devices and laptops, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the animals.
The livestream is broadcasting daily between 10am and 4pm from the park's sea otter habitat, with viewers able to watch the otters' daily routines, health evaluations, ice baths and enrichment activities.
Via a press release, California sea otters are currently listed as a threatened species.
SeaWorld San Diego's five sea otters – Coco, Mocha, Chilly, Bennett and Jane – were once rescued along the California coast. They have been rehabilitated and deemed non-releasable by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
"Sea otters are some of the most engaging and charismatic animals in our care, and the debut of the otter cam offers a unique opportunity for guests to connect with them in a whole new way," said Pete Peters, zoological curator at SeaWorld San Diego.
SeaWorld's rescue and care efforts
"At SeaWorld, our mission is to educate and inspire people to care about marine life and the environments they depend on," he added.
"By providing up-close views from within their habitat, we hope to showcase the playful personalities and important role sea otters play in their ecosystems, sparking curiosity, awareness and a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals – no matter where you’re watching from.”
In December, SeaWorld San Diego launched a penguin cam that streams daily from the penguin habitat.
As for SeaWorld's wider rescue efforts, the theme park operator is now celebrating the rescue of 43,000 marine animals over the past 60 years, from stranded manatees to injured dolphins.
The rescue that marked this milestone involved six seabirds and a young, orphaned California sea lion pup found at a beach house in Carlsbad, California on 2 May.
Across San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando, SeaWorld’s rescue teams are on call 24/7, responding to urgent wildlife emergencies and collaborating with partners including NOAA and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
