Come join in the fun at Georgia Aquarium for
Sea Otter Awareness Week 2012! We are so proud to participate in this conservation initiative that we asked our Governor to proclaim it an annual event in Georgia!
This year, we will be celebrating from
September 23-29 with activities located throughout the Atrium, Recognition Rotunda, Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest Gallery and the Oceans Ballroom.
Check out our tabs to learn more about Georgia Aquarium's Southern sea otters,
participate in Sea Otter Awareness Week activities and learn more about how YOU can help with the conservation of sea otters.
Why are sea otters important?
As a keystone species, sea otters play an integral role in the ecosystem and health of our oceans. They help maintain the balance among thousands of kelp forest inhabitants. Sea otters also act as an indicator species, meaning that their high rates of 
disease may be a warning for both marine ecosystems and human health. In order to help the plight of the sea otter, public awareness and education are imperative. Currently, they are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and are protected by the Endangered Species Act and The Marine Mammal Protection Act. By becoming an advocate for sea otters and other aquatic life, individuals can make a difference by protecting and saving the marine environment that sea otters call home.
Georgia Aquarium's sea otters
Georgia Aquarium is home to five resident Southern sea otters—a marine mammal species which is native to the Central California coast. Each of these charismatic animals acts as an ambassador for wild sea otters and their conservation issues while charming Aquarium Guests.
The group includes two mature sea otters in addition to three juveniles. The mature pair, Oz and Gracie, have been charismatic ambassadors for wild sea otters since Georgia Aquarium opened its doors in 2005. 
Each of the three juveniles, Brighton, Bixby and Cruz, were adopted shortly after each was orphaned in 2010 through our 4R Program (Rescue, Research, Rehabilitation and Responsible Stewardship in Conservation).
How can YOU help sea otters and other aquatic life?
- Become a Georgia Aquarium Volunteer to help spread the word about Conservation. Click here to get started.
- Become an Oceans Society Member at Georgia Aquarium to support Georgia Aquarium’s aquatic research and conservation efforts. For more information, click here.
- Make a tax deductible contribution to Georgia Aquarium’s 4R program to directly support our efforts in Research, Rehabilitation, Rescue and Responsible stewardship in conservation. Click here to learn more.
- Purchase seafood products that are harvested sustainably (check out the GAI Seafood Savvy card or visit www.georgiaaquarium.org).
- Do not flush kitty litter. Soiled kitty litter hosts diseases that have contributed to nearly 40% of sea otter mortality in California.
- Put garbage and recyclables in their proper places.
- Help keep our waters clean-every little bit of trash collected helps. Remember that anything that goes into the water eventually ends up in the ocean.
- Buy environmentally friendly products; use paper bags, not plastic.
- Be careful what you put down your drains; use environmentally safe home and garden products.
- Use public transportation, carpool, walk or ride your bike.
- Keep up to date with the issues that affect sea otters such as kelp harvesting, transport of oil, and commercial fishing trends.
- Find out which officials need to be contacted regarding CRITICAL sea otter research funding and other proposals that are currently awaiting Congressional and agency approval. Check out www.seaotters.org, www.seaotters.com or www.defenders.org
It’s easy to help!
Each member of every household has the ability to make necessary lifestyle and consumption changes that can greatly increase the sea otter's chance for survival. The good news is that THESE CHANGES ARE EASY! By becoming an advocate for sea otters and other aquatic life, you can make a significant difference by protecting and saving the marine environment that sea otters call home.
Dear Georgia Aquarium Guests,
We would like to invite you to attend the Atlanta premiere of Otter 501 in our Oceans Ballroom. Viewing opportunities include a 10:30-11:30 a.m. screening in addition to a 12:30-1:30 p.m. screening in the Oceans Ballroom. Based upon a real sea otter’s story, this film highlights the importance of conservation.
Otter-ly yours,
Georgia Aquarium’s Rescued Pups
Otter 502
Otter 509
Otter 510
Activities Menu
All Sea Otter Awareness Week activities are free and included with Aquarium admission.
Special Activity Sheets
- Click here for the Southern sea otter fact sheet
- Click here to download Georgia Aquarium’s sea otter word jumble
- Click here to download Georgia Aquarium’s sea otter coloring page
Daily Activities: (9/23 through 9/29)
- Bone up on your “Otter-ly Fun Facts” while interacting with GAQ Volunteers & Staff
- Q&A opportunities following each sea otter session (Hint: Share a sea otter fact during these sessions to earn a free Sea Otter Awareness Week magnet while supplies last!)
- Make those important conservation connections with sea otter artifacts at the Conservation Cart
Weekend Activities: (Sunday, 9/23 and Saturday, 9/29)
- (Saturday, 9/29 only) Be there or be square for the Otter 501 Atlanta premiere in our Oceans Ballroom. Viewing opportunities include 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, 9/29.
- Get hands-on with otter activities located throughout the Atrium & Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest Gallery
- Join our “raft” for storytelling sessions featuring Good Night, Little Sea Otter by Janet Halfmann conducted hourly in the Recognition Rotunda from 10am-3pm
- Bone up on your “Otter-ly Fun Facts” while interacting with GAQ Volunteers & Staff
- Q&A opportunities following each sea otter session (Hint: Share a sea otter fact during these sessions to earn a free Sea Otter Awareness Week magnet while supplies last!)
- Make those important conservation connections with sea otter artifacts at the Conservation Cart
Connect with Georgia Aquarium around the web