Alaskan sea otters heading to city in landmark project

TWO rescued Alaskan sea otters will become residents at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham’s new marine rescue facility in a UK first.

The ground-breaking project, in partnership with Alaska Wildlife Rescue (AWR), will have a vital role to play in protecting the seriously endangered species.

The United States Fishing & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has strict welfare guidelines and the Birmingham centre had to undertake an extensive two-anda-half-year application before it was granted the UK’s first permit.

The centre will now welcome the very first pair of sea otters to the UK next year.

Jonny Rudd, curator at the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, said: “This is such an incredibly exciting time for us. It’s been a pioneering project for the country, taking global efforts and a collective vision with our conservation partners to protect the world’s oceans and the incredible marine life which lives within.

“The sea otters’ arrival will be a landmark moment for the UK and give us a sense of connection to nature and wildlife from across the globe, highlighting the unconscious impact we’re having so we can start to make small differences.

“It’s a guardianship commitment with full 360 vision, meaning that monies raised through the sea otters residency in Birmingham will have a direct and positive impact to environmental efforts on the ground in Alaska through our partners, SEA LIFE Trust and Alaska Wildlife Rescue.”