At Georgia Aquarium, enrichment is more than just fun and games. It’s an essential part of exceptional animal care. For our spirited sea otters, activities that challenge their minds and encourage natural behaviors are key to their health and well-being. This Sea Otter Awareness Week, we are spotlighting an innovative research collaboration that blends science, technology and play to better understand how our otters engage with the world around them.

Working alongside researchers from Georgia Tech, our animal care team tested a new approach using instrumented enrichment devices. These highly specialized and purpose-created items are embedded with motion sensors to track how otters interact, learn and adapt over time. The pilot study was conducted at Georgia Aquarium with five sea otters (Enhydra lutris).

The goal was to explore whether custom-designed, species-specific enrichment devices could provide new insights to support the Aquarium’s already robust enrichment program. By collecting valuable behavioral data, researchers aimed to help further fine-tune enrichment strategies and identify subtle changes that might signal shifts in an animal’s health or well-being.

Putting Play to the Test

During the study, each otter received two types of enrichment items. The first was a familiar favorite, a food-dispensing KONG Genius Leo dog enrichment tool that our sea otters have used before. The second was a brand-new challenge, a custom-built scallop-shaped device created specifically for the study.

Both were fitted with motion sensors to measure interaction time and intensity. Food rewards were weighed before and after play to determine how efficiently each otter accessed them. Our team also used video to capture the unique strategies and personalities on display.

The results were fascinating. On average, the otters took longer to get less food from the scallop-shaped device, suggesting a learning curve with new enrichment. One otter, Bixby, even decided to skip the scallop entirely. “Otters, much like people, each have their own personalities, perspectives, and preferences,” said Jason Jones, Curator of Mammals & Birds. “They interact with other otters, their trainers, and their environment in unique ways. In this study, for example, we noticed that Bixby shows little interest in some of the newer enrichment items and instead tends to favor more familiar ones. Getting to know the individuals and recognizing their distinct traits and behavior is part of what makes our work so engaging, fun, and rewarding.”

Why This Matters

While the study confirmed that embedded sensors can capture reliable, real-world behavioral data, the groundbreaking aspect was using motion-sensor technology within enrichment devices. This allowed the team to measure interaction patterns with precision, turning playful activities into a potential early-warning system for changes in behavior that might reflect shifts in health or well-being. It’s an added layer of insight that builds on the Aquarium’s existing expertise in species-specific enrichment, offering new opportunities to refine care through technology.

As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Georgia Aquarium follows strict enrichment standards. This research could help refine those guidelines, ensuring they are backed by measurable, data-driven insights.

Our collaboration with Georgia Tech is just the beginning. Future studies will track how otter interactions evolve over weeks or months, helping us design enrichment that adapts alongside the animals themselves. It is a perfect example of how technology can enhance animal welfare while deepening our understanding of these charismatic marine mammals.

Join Us in Celebrating Sea Otter Awareness Week

Sea Otter Awareness Week is a time to honor the resilience and charm of these endangered animals and to commit to their protection in the wild. By blending innovation with expert care, Georgia Aquarium is working to give our sea otters the best possible quality of life while inspiring guests to protect their ocean home.