The playful Sea Otter seems to be without a care in the world – but unfortunately this isn’t true. Since 2003, populations of the sunny sea-creatures have dropped considerably. Scientists are rightly concerned because Sea Otters serve as signposts of the sea - if they’re unable to thrive, their plight signals that there are significant problems with the overall health of the coastal ecosystem.

Today (March 17, 2012) is the one-year anniversary of Clover, a female southern sea otter. Clover's story began in late 2010 when she was rescued and brought to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. At that time, Clover was a young, wild otter that stranded due to illness. Veterinarians examined and treated her for several months and deemed her unable to return to the ocean, due to her need for long term care. Clover arrived at SeaWorld San Diego at about 5 months old on St. Patrick's Day, hence the name Clover.

SeaWorld San Diego recently took in a rescued California sea otter pup that was found stranded a few months ago on a beach about five hours north of the marine-life park. The female pup was somehow separated from her mother and was suffering from a viral infection. Staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium rescued her, stabilized her and then sent her to us for further care and a long-term home.

SeaWorld San Diego recently participated in the celebration of Sea Otter Awareness Week, to help educate the public about a species threatened by oil spills, entanglement in fishing nets and disease.

An imperiled species, California sea otters continue to struggle due to myriad factors, including poor water quality and a growing human population along our coasts. With support from the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Defenders of Wildlife is working to protect the struggling sea otter population on California's Central Coast by promoting better water quality in nearshore waters and involving the public in recovery.

Two orphaned California sea otters, rescued as pups nearly three years ago, continue to thrive at SeaWorld San Diego. Abby arrived at SeaWorld in July 2007 and Ellie was brought to the park in November 2007. Both pups were only days old when abandoned by their mothers along the coast in Northern California.