BroadwayWorld.com
California sea otters are struggling in the wild and no one quite knows why. Hunted to near extinction for their fur since the mid-18th Century, the hidden enclave of approximately 50 otters discovered near Big Sur in 1938 was a surprise to many along the California coast. The entire current population of about 2800 can trace their origins to that group of 50, but they all live in one small area which is a problem. One localized event, like an oil spill, could wipe them all out. That’s why their status is listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.
It’s not a rare occurrence to spot a newborn pup washed up on a local beach – hungry, lost and injured. But it may have a fighting chance thanks to a special team of marine biologists. Nature tells the story of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 501st attempt to save a Stranded orphan otter and teach it to fend for itself in the wild when Saving Otter 501 airs on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 8 p.m. (ET) on PBS (check local listing). After the broadcast, each episode will be available for online streaming atpbs.org/nature.
