The Issue: Health of Puget Sound and Marine Life
Sea otters act as furry indicators of the overall health of Puget Sound. Each year, researchers from the Seattle Aquarium participate in the annual Washington sea-otter survey, gathering information about the population and well-being of the animals living along the coast to learn about the robustness of the ecosystem as a whole. Inside the aquarium, meanwhile, four resident otters act as focal points for the general public. They draw in attention with their splashing antics, effectively raising awareness for the health of their species. Yet, keeping such active animals onsite is no cheap feat. Sea otters can eat the equivalent of a quarter of their body weight each day—roughly 15 pounds total of pollock, clams, dungeness crab, shrimp, mussels, and squid.
The Campaign: Feeding Otters at the Seattle Aquarium
If 32 people donate $10 or $45 to this Grassroots campaign, then the Seattle Aquarium can feed at least one of its resident otters for one week. Each individual $45 donation will feed one otter for one day. Donors who give $45 and register with the Seattle Aquarium can pick up a complimentary copy of Edwin, the Super Duper Otter coloring book at the aquarium (limit three coloring books per customer).
The Seattle Aquarium currently houses four sea otters who make up three generations: Aada, a 13-year-old male; Lootas, a 14-year-old female; her daughter Aniak, a 10-year-old female, and Aniak’s daughter Sekiu, who was born last January. In support of the Seafood Watch program—which encourages residents and retailers to choose sustainable seafood—the Seattle Aquarium will feed its otters sustainably harvested clams, mussels, and other favorite treats.
Groupon is making it easy to further celebrate the Seattle Aquarium and its quartet of sea otters. Check out our deal on aquarium admission to visit Aada, Lootas, Aniak, and Sekiu in person.
