Sea Otter Pup Rescued Off California Coast

CALIFORNIA -- A sea otter pup that was rescued off the California coast made its way to the Oregon Zoo in Portland recently. Named "805," Zoo officials described the pup as a boisterous two-month-old.

The pup was rescued in Morro Bay Harbor in California in late October when he was less than two weeks old, according to a press release. Because officials were unable to find the pup a surrogate mom, he was transferred to the Oregon Zoo.

"When they're young they float like corks, but he's learning to dive now and loves showing off," said Oregon Zoo marine life keeper Sara Morgan, who traveled to Monterey last week to meet the 14-pound pup and help prepare for his trip north. "He's full of spunk, very squeaky and fun to be around. He also takes a lot of naps — that's when he's at his fluffiest."

Caregivers said the young otter has started grooming himself though he still needs some help, and he is enjoying his seafood diet — both good signs that he's settling in well.

"Right now he definitely has a preference for shrimp," Morgan said. "He seemed insulted when I tried to offer him squid."

--Photo courtesy of Oregon Zoo