Southern Sea Otter

(Enhydra lutris nereis)

The three southern sea otters who live at the Detroit Zoo were found stranded at different times along the coast of California and were deemed unable to live in the wild by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Male Monte was found at 1 day old in 2020 and moved to the Detroit Zoo in June 2021. Male Finn arrived in May 2023 after he was rescued at 3 weeks old in 2022. The newest arrival, Kit, was rescued in 2010 and moved to the Detroit Zoo in June 2024. Before coming to the Zoo, female Kit was a “foster mom” to 10 pups as part of a surrogacy program that helps young otters learn all the skills they need to thrive. Today, Kit, Monte and Finn enjoy playing together and receiving treats from their animal care team.