Southern Sea Otter Rehabilitation: Lessons and Impacts from the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2022 |
Authors: |
Leilani Konrad, Jessica A Fujii, Sandrine Hazan, Andrew B Johnson, Karl A Mayer, Michael J Murray, Teri E Nicholson, Michelle M Staedler, Colleen Young |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens |
Keywords: |
aquarium, collaboration, southern sea otter, surrogacy, wildlife rehabilitation |
ISBN: |
2673-5636 |
Abstract:
As biodiversity continues to decline across the globe, conservation of wildlife species and the ecosystems they inhabit is more important than ever. When species dwindle, ecosystems that depend on them are also impacted, often leading to a decrease in the life-giving services healthy ecosystems provide to humans, wildlife, and the global environment. Methods of wildlife conservation are complex and multi-faceted, ranging from education and advocacy to, research, restoration, and rehabilitation. Here, we review a conservation program focused on helping recover the federally listed threatened southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) population. We describe the development of unique rehabilitation methods and steps taken to advance the program’s conservation impact. Understanding this evolution can inform conservation efforts for other vulnerable species and their ecosystems.