This move has been more than a year in the making, with the intention of supporting the opening of the Aquarium du Québec's new sea otter habitat and creating much-needed space at the Vancouver Aquarium to care for future rescued otters.
The Vancouver Aquarium is currently the only aquarium in Canada with a sea otter habitat - but with the Aquarium du Québec now welcoming these animals, that circle of care is growing. This expanded capacity means more rescued; non-releasable otters can receive the specialized support they need.
Many of these sea otters were rescued as orphaned pups and are unable to develop the essential survival skills needed for life in the wild. Through this transfer and continued collaboration, both aquariums will help raise greater awareness of their conservation efforts--while creating space for more rescue, care, and connection in the years ahead.
"All of the sea otters in our care were rescued as orphaned pups and deemed non-releasable by Canadian and U.S. government agencies," said Vancouver Aquarium Animal Care Director Mackenzie Neale. "Our aquarium's otter habitat provides a safe and enriching home--but it also has limits. This transfer creates much-needed space for when the next otter needs our help."
"The Aquarium du Quebec is thrilled to introduce sea otters to visitors in Eastern Canada. This is an exceptional addition to our collection, as part of the Louphoque project. Since the specimens were rescued from the wild, this will be a fantastic educational opportunity while continuing our conservation mission," said Aquarium du Quebec's director Nathalie Julien Boucher.
While the move of Hardy, Mak, Quatse, and Taz marks a heartfelt goodbye for the Vancouver Aquarium team and its guests, it also represents a meaningful step forward--one that strengthens Canada's capacity to care for rescued sea otters and to share their important role in coastal ecosystems.
Guests are invited to visit the four sea otters before May 31 for their journey east. Throughout May, they will be on public display during weekend (Saturday and Sunday) operating hours, offering guests a special opportunity to connect with these beloved animals and celebrate their next chapter. Those who can't make it in person can catch Hardy, Mak, Quatse, and Taz on the aquarium's Sea Otter Cam.
Photos here.
About Vancouver Aquarium
Since opening in 1956, the Vancouver Aquarium has connected more than 50 million people from around the world to our oceans and inspired them to take action to address key threats. Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to hundreds of incredible species. The Vancouver Aquarium is a fully accredited member of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), and is Humane Conservation Certified by American Humane.
About Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society ("VAMMR") runs Canada's only dedicated marine mammal rescue facility. Each year the team responds to over 300 marine animal emergencies, including the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured, or orphaned animals and the disentanglement of sea lions trapped by marine debris. Hundreds of marine mammals (from seals, sea lions, and sea otters to small cetaceans) have been given a second chance at life thanks to VAMMR.
VAMMR is an independent registered charity proud to be working in partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium. Donations will go directly to VAMMR and help rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals in distress. You can provide your support by donating today at www.vammr.org.
SOURCE Vancouver Aquarium
For more information: Todd Hauptman, Communications Manager, 604-376-2252 / [email protected]; Aquarium du Quebec, Stéphanie Tremblay, Communications Consultant, [email protected]
Share this article