Inside an ADORABLE Sea Otter Adoption Program!

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Otters are more than just cute, adorable little fuzzballs, they are one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time. Sea otters are a keystone species, meaning that an entire ecosystem depends on their presence. After they were nearly hunted to extinction for their dense fur, sea urchins (the otters' favorite food) nearly destroyed the Pacific kelp forests, a habitat that hundreds of species rely on for food and shelter.
Thanks to the hard work of conservation scientists at places like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, sea otter populations are on their way back. Here's the story of one orphaned sea otter pup's journey back to the wild
(Whale illustrations by Nobu Tamura/CC-BY-3.0)
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Joe Hanson - Creator/Host/Writer
Joe Nicolosi - Director
Amanda Fox - Producer, Spotzen IncKate Eads - Producer
Andrew Matthews - Editing/Motion Graphics/Animation
Katie Graham - Camera
John Knudsen - Gaffer
Theme music: "Ouroboros" by Kevin MacLeod
Other music via APM
Stock images from Shutterstock, stock footage from Videoblocks (unless otherwise noted)

[@saundramartin8005]

I think it's so cute how they pound the shellfish to open it

[@sweetkookie6120]

righttt??! so cuteee 😭

[@YvesWens]

They also use rocks for that and they have pockets where they store their favourite rock

[@KikomochiMendoza]

@@YvesWens TIL otters have favorite rocks

[@bethello1286]

What? No we don’t! Our rocks are like children! In iuu I uh jug f yu h7$ Sorry, dropped my phone in the sea! Wait. You’re not all otters watching this video?

[@dududupup250]

@@YvesWens So clever and cute!!😀😀

[@infininoodle]

"And, Billy, how did you end up in these waters? "I was raised by a loving, single mom and then the cult of masked figures that fed me put me here."

[@tellux040]

That is hilarious

[@gerrysadventures4176]

The otter pounding on the glass was so cute

[@lukasthorne3118]

So, did that sea otter just experience what humans would experience if they were abducted by aliens?

[@BabyBearSings]

😂😂😂😂

[@ridikipicklepeckinpuff583]

Lol imagine if aliens raised you in a tank using a surrogate mom and then just dumped you in the middle of Nebraska with a "Good Luck, Human!" "Plenty of corn around, they'll be fine" -The Aliens

[@ladeene06]

I was thinking the EXACT same thing....😲

[@MaeV808]

😂

[@MaeV808]

I feel like we not cute to aliens. I'm pretty sure we ugly in the eyes of other mammals on earth, being fairly hairless and "clumsy".

[@sarahprice659]

I love it when the moms fluff the babies up so they will float while they go hunting!

[@wellingtonalcantara1443]

I'm a simple man, I SEA otters, I press like

[@eggyolk2002]

Be dum chinggg

[@kingcrowbro2486]

+Wellington Alcantara I kinda figured a simple would sea otter things as much more intresting.

[@rendiina]

I SEA what you did there 😏

[@TheLittledikkins]

I do that with both Sea and River Otters.

[@lauramcknight2321]

Future dad, this one

[@kittona8754]

You people make me a lot less ashamed to be part of the human race. We thank you and the otters thank you.

[@kristieroybal4888]

Hey! Thats my line! We should get together and form a club of people against clubs and other humans in general. 😉

[@wildwildwest9409]

What

[@rebekahbrafford8222]

Ummmm Hi

[@stephaniebristol3837]

Generations of my family are from Monterey and watching otters especially in Moss Landing is one of the neatest things ever. My grandfather had a boat slip in Monterey bay and one mother otter figured out it was okay to leave her pup on my grandfather's boat on the end and come back after she hunted and lay on the dock for a bit. Found two stranded pups near Del Monte Beach and we called for them to be picked up sounds like a baby crying. My grandfather had a plumbing shop for decades on Cannery Row we were always down near the water. Very close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where my dad worked on construction when it was first built.

[@bbcearth]

Great video Joe! Interesting to learn that the otters are given seafood in ice blocks.

[@elainegarcia1914]

BBC Earth true

[@gregsavitt7176]

Big fan! Love the work you guys do. Thanks for all the hard work

[@yusefendure]

They all deserve a Nobel Peace Prize.

[@Laurel-ng4cy]

Absolutely, amazing people, cute doesn't even come close. God bless a all of them.

[@remythecow]

the fact that we almost lost these guys makes my heart hurt

[@relafen66]

Man I should switch to becoming a marine biologist from a micro biologist... My specimens aren't remotely adorable..

[@xukaili8272]

I dont work with organisms but i agree with you

[@3wGaming]

on you r first mission, you'll study an anglerfish!

[@sashaseaotter2978]

I've always wanted to become a marine biologist☺

[@GloomGaiGar]

but yours are probably more important, just play this video while working lol

[@queeneon]

Neb88 try being a mammoligest they work with all the cute, fuzzy, critters

[@6Twisted]

I just lost my shit, they're too cute..

[@TheRealSkeletor]

+6Twisted Sounds messy.

[@JohnJohnson-ei5iy]

Oh! They found him a m'otter! Adopting him doesn't seem to, b'otter her! :D

[@sammysgoldenhour]

John Johnson how does this not have more likes Its been a year-

[@OleanderSmoothie]

looool🤣🤣🤣

[@iamsofia3782]

Get out 😅

[@andreeapotra]

Their clothing in order to not be recognized by the otter look like they're straight outta Star Wars🤣

[@BONJABONJA]

Andreea Potra lmao that's just what I thought 😂

[@someone3187]

I just watched this now and it just looks like covid protection gear. Who would have thought 3 years ago... 😂

[@samlsd9711]

The way they bang the shell and the ice to get the food is so cute

[@zaferatakan270]

Only one pun. I am otterly disappointed.

[@b4ux1t3-tech]

+zafer atakan I would really like to sea more puns.

[@DaigoParry]

+Christopher Pilcher They are actually aliens from Otter Space disguised as cute furry beings

[@kristinsisson6209]

Anything with otter in it is no disappointment

[@jiri1679]

You don’t have any otter Ideas?

[@MilA-eh3gf]

4:12 That was otter 696?!? I remember watching videos of him being adopted a few years back (also was super obsessed with otter 681)... I'm so happy to see it growing well this little thing (and all animals!) deserve all the best life

[@FreePalestine460]

Do female sea otters need to already have given birth and raised pups in order to adopt orphan pups or is it a natural behavior?

[@Paulo-py4mm]

bump. i would love the answer to this!

[@thepebblecollective1273]

The incarnation of boredom I’m not trying to be mean but the way you said that seemed kinda mean.

[@bobbysantiago5659]

What a good question! Maybe Joe will answer this question.

[@oaktharas]

i think so... if you have never raised kids, you probably don't know what to do. It's not like the otters can just google it or buy a parenting book

[@cherieplante5100]

You should see Saving Otter 501

[@sabrina1989ize]

This chick is so damn lucky to be working with these adorable little creatures. 💙

[@mcrazza]

Otterly cute!

[@the1andonlytitch]

+mcrazza Dam funny

[@Nik-bx9kd]

The people with those capes and masks look so edgy and powerful but then you see that they are just taking care of otters and then my heart just goes boom.

[@KwakWack]

This video was cool but I prefer the OTTER ones

[@faiyiu160]

KwakWack not funny

[@thepebblecollective1273]

XD wOw

[@claudiaramosdesigns]

Eyyyyyyyyyy :P Noice

[@sneakycactus8815]

Thats not funny

[@TalMK]

which Otter videos would you like to... Sea?

[@heatfitz]

A keystone species! Unbelievable, intelligent, so very important for the role they play in the kelp beds and our oceans .

[@algirdassukevicius1053]

ABSOLUTE HEROES at The Aquarium !!!! ...... Sea Otters forever x x

[@bennynutts16]

what an amazing job it would be to take care of otters

[@cyprescrow]

Who doesn't love those adorable, fluffy, fuzzy, funny and in every thinkable way cute little kelp dwellers?

[@gaylecheung3087]

Otters are so amazing creatures loveable but wild as they shall be forever

[@nm2795]

Wow. This is amazing!!! A big thank u for all the people who are helping and speaking out for these amazing animals

[@KishoreShenoy1994]

I think people otter(oughta) like these animals, they are very cute.

[@mangokp8572]

What an incredible thoughtful program and people! It lifts my heart, thank you.

[@iprobablyforgotsomething]

One of my favorite episodes so far, interesting look at how otters - and their future as a whole - are cared for.

[@maggieedna]

does the number 696 mean theyve raised and released six hundred and ninety six otters before this one or is it just random?

[@besmart]

That's right! Not all the otters rescued have come through the surrogate program, but there have been more than 700 otters found in the wild and rehabbed to some degree

[@maggieedna]

+It's Okay To Be Smart wow!

[@lastfire77]

+It's Okay To Be Smart Did they nickname 626, stitch?

[@eileenf5593]

+maggieedna This is the 696th otter that has been brought to the aquarium for care. Not all have been released, as a few have been raised to be sent to a zoo or aquarium, if they were not going to be releasable. FYI, the mother and twin of 696 are doing fine.

[@SirAlex-jb5dl]

You mean 695 otters raised before it?

[@goronska]

I loved this episode! Even the otters' cries were adorable! They make the cutest of noises! :3

[@laureng.6745]

I am so excited about all of Monterey videos! So great to see my current home highlighted in such an awesome way. Gotta love the otters!

[@b4ux1t3-tech]

+Lauren G.More people otter love otters.

[@christinecameron1612]

The best mamma for an otter, is an otter :-)

[@Grungedude93]

What precious creatures. I’m so glad we are putting such an effort to save these innocent beings.

[@Zenebatos]

CUTEST! Amazing work guys!!! Thanks for helping out with the ecosystem!

[@ludde12345678950]

Do you know any otter adorabe stories?

[@ideallyyours]

otterable

[@shantyirish7564]

KZbin" Simon the otter Father's Day" video. It is adorable and beyond. (I also have a pun post there)

[@veralenora7368]

"Tiny Kittens" esp "Grandpa Mason" and "Felicity". Grandpa was a sick old UNfriendly feral who was in bad health. TK managed to catch him (then found out he was too sick to be released), took EXTRAordinary care of him for like almost 4 years (he'd had an original diagnosis of a few months) and he turned into this charming, loving kitten Grandpa. Still not too happy with humans, but he loved and took care of many kittens. Felicity was a white Bengal rescued from a heartless backyard breeder. Lovely, but after treatment for ear mites, fleas, ticks, internal parasites, an eye infection, uterine infection she was GORGEOUS. She gave birth to 2 kittens, her last kittens as she was then spayed, and she KEPT the kittens, the first time they'd not been taken away so she could be forced back into heat and bred again. A lovely lady experienced with Bengals adopted all 3! "Dr. John Campbell" on Covid 19, an inspired teacher, retired from nursing (PHD in nursing). Everything he says is so comforting and inspiring, and fact based.lk Baumgartner Restoration 1bike1world I could go on but this is a list to start. Retired librarian

[@phoebe4494]

I'm so glad Otters did not go extinct. They are such beautiful animals.

[@milenadelgado3635]

Lindos animalitos.. hermoso reportaje. Cuidarlos y protegerlos debe ser nuestro deber... Saludos desde CHILE 💖

[@RosaB999]

I love the Monterey Bay Aquarium!!! Keep up the good work guys!

[@joseenoel8093]

Cheaper to leave them in nature! I'm a Forest technician from French Canada 🇨🇦! Thank you heroes!

[@SundayBoy72]

Great work. Thank you for the dedication and kindness.

[@calyblogs]

This Big Blue series of videos is entirely fascinating. Thanks so much!

[@Abby-yc7tt]

Absolutely beautiful. thanks

[@MrJVLLa]

This was beautiful :) I hope more of this will happen in the future

[@meghanschiedel5160]

What a great video! Thank you for making this, personable but full of good facts.

[@lucien760]

i’ve been to this aquarium recently and not only saw otters inside but there was a wild otter swimming around outside. it was rad

[@yunimints]

Too much cuteness in one video. I think it was absolutely otterable

[@angela21975]

Think this is my 5th watch on this vid. I LOVE that you guys have figured this out and it's just incredible!!!

[@KristinaBodetti]

I am thoroughly enjoying this sea series! Awesome stuff

[@skylar8277]

This is so pure I love it

[@michaellee888]

They are otterly adorable!! Too cute!!

[@videogyar2]

Its so sad how much effort needs to go into saving just one life. And for others how easy it is to take it away.

[@coffeefrog]

I could have listened to you talk about otters for an hour. That was a nice video!

[@johndifrancisco3642]

Wow! Joe looked ecstatic working with them. Nice job :)

[@draKoowl247]

Joe Hanson PhD Non-Marine Mammal Wow of course humans

[@greatloverofmusic1]

Oh thanks so much or sharing! I LOVE Sea Otters!!!

[@sloogsketch]

I've been to this aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium! It's a really great aquarium, and I even saw a wild sea otter and sea lions just outside it.

[@greenorigin7721]

Just one look and I knew it was Monterey Bay Aquarium. God, I love that place.

[@cyantulip]

This is my favorite It’s Okay to Be Smart vídeo so far!! 😍😍

[@sirnate9065]

ty 4 making this, otters are my favorite animal

[@SadieRTrego]

Wow that's super awesome 👍 staying hopeful 💞

[@sunnyday7699]

I wouldn’t be able to work there... I would love them and hug them so hard 😍😍😍

[@yellowduckx]

i've really enjoyed these series, can't wait to check out the full big blue live when i have time :)

[@B30pt87]

Thank you for that! I love otters.

[@Erika-gn1tv]

So cute! I wanna take one home.

[@laftiskuno1357]

Thank you for the video.

[@marcol7847]

Great interview skills and great loving staff

[@Tweek5470]

3:55 they go around chopping down trees for tables when they have perfectly good tummies to eat on.

[@MultiLisa10]

The pup banging the frozen ship against the wall was the cutest!

[@amanthind9464]

THEY ARE SO CUTE! 😭 I LOVE THAT THE MOM OTTER ADOPTS OTHER OTTERS! 😭

[@STARPHROST]

one of my spirit animals

[@gaylecheung3087]

Otterly Adorable😍

[@yamck4215]

Squeak like a baby very cute

[@Sameer15557]

GUYS.... ITS OKAY TO BE SMART!!

[@dotter8]

This episode is full of adorable.

[@raissafr451]

I'm loving this marine series.

[@lieuphan4802]

so amazing thanks for your clip,

[@paulettegautier8076]

The Otter is adorable.

[@catlover-fp5ig]

Those otters are so cute!

[@sim33009]

Love otters. Thank you!

[@gauthamgajith9684]

Otterly adorable

[@LarrenSamson]

Omg my heart is melting

[@bendyman3]

i can't handle the cuteness overload about these fuzzy animals oh god they look so cute :3 :)

[@SharmishthaBasu]

fantastic episode. just love otters.

[@sawyerskog3675]

These are the cutest little guys

[@amerhystrubi3696]

I like sea otters they so adorable!😃😄

[@KozmicKozmo]

They are so cute!

[@YourMsRightHere]

I ♡ Monterrey Bay Aquarium. Those ladies do such great work as surrogate moms.

[@amirablue.b186]

There so cute I love them

[@ba1anse]

supercharged cuteness!

[@rosellereonal713]

May fortune go to those scientists.

[@alur_chip8271]

i love him

[@Dwagoner]

WOMAN, GIMME DAT JOB NOW, LIKE SERIOUSLY NOW, cri cri i will never become a otter babysitter thingy

[@ideallyyours]

You'll probably have a lot of trouble saying goodbye when it comes to it too.

[@Trayo612]

SO CUTE CAN'T HANDLE IT, AAAAAH!

[@kylieeats1639]

Sea otter aquarist! Dream job!!!

[@chiasatakahashi2814]

Otterly adorable :D

[@theawsomezackery6480]

SOOO CUTE!!!