Tracking Elusive Sea Otters In Their Natural Habitat | Changing Seas

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The sea otter is a keystone species that helps maintain the health of California's kelp forests. Despite being hunted to near extinction in the 17th and 18th centuries, a small population of southern sea otters has slowly rebounded. However, their recovery is now facing new challenges. This documentary explores the unique life of the sea otter, its incredible metabolism, and the threats it faces today, from human disturbances that burn precious calories, to a baffling gauntlet of shark attacks, and even land-based parasites. We explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium's amazing surrogacy program, which teaches orphaned pups the skills they need to survive in the wild. Finally, we look at the possibility of reintroducing sea otters to their historic range and the future of human-wildlife coexistence.