They’re voracious eaters, playful swimmers, and perpetual groomers – and they’re the star attraction this fall at the Vancouver Aquarium. Starting today, September 19, Celebrate Sea Otters commemorates the beloved sea otter in conjunction with the 12th Annual Sea Otter Awareness Week through interactive programs, shows and displays.
“This new spotlight provides an important opportunity for us to share the powerful stories of the heroic rescues of the Vancouver Aquarium’s four resident sea otters, and how they contribute to valuable learning that has helped us hone our animal husbandry and rescue practices,” says Clint Wright, the Aquarium’s senior vice president and general manager. “Visitors will learn unique facts about sea otter, the conservation issues these animals face in the wild, and how they can help in protecting this species.”
Sea otters are full of energy and are always on the move, whether they are grooming, eating, rafting, playing or swimming. Through interactive shows and informative displays, visitors will learn about the many surprising attributes of these iconic animals. For example, did you know that sea otters are one of the few tool-using mammals? Or that wild sea otters eat up to 25 – 30 per cent of their body weight daily? Learn more about these creatures and their important role in keeping the balance of nature in kelp forests through interactive displays, activities and shows.
Also, you won’t want to miss out on these new offerings, available only until November 11:
- At the Pacific Canada Pavilion experience the Life in a Kelp Forest show in the Strait of Georgia habitat, where you’ll learn the story of kelp forests and the sea otter’s seminal role in maintaining these precious habitats – visitors may even get to meet one of the Aquarium’s divers.
- Experience their engaging enrichment sessions in the sea otters’ habitat on the Wild Coast. These sessions provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the training and enrichment that sea otters at the Aquarium receive. Training and enrichment enable them to have the best animal care possible, receive vital mental and physical stimulation, and strengthen bonds with their trainers.
- Visit the Ocean Courtyard for face painting and Craft Corner, where visitors can create their very own sea otter cut-out and learn about how sea otters use their stomachs as tables. Also, don’t forget to take your photo with Tanu the sea otter at the photo installation station.
- And always a hit with children, the aquarium’s Clownfish Cove children’s play area now features new otter x-ray rescue stories.
Experience Celebrate Sea Otters at the Vancouver Aquarium until November 11, 2014. View the daily schedule of programs and events at www.vanaqua.org.
Feature Image: Vancouver Aquarium
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