Georgia Aquarium Mourns Death Of Oz, 18-Year-Old Sea Otter
According to a news release on Sunday, the Asian small-clawed otters may have been infected by an asymptomatic staffer.
Diliff/Wikimedia
The Georgia Aquarium is mourning the death of an 18-year-old sea otter that had been part of the aquarium when it opened in 2005.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Oz was humanely euthanized Thursday afternoon. After suffering several seizures Tuesday, Oz was given an MRI that revealed lesions on the brain. The aquarium posted on Twitter that Oz didn’t recover or regain mobility.
We’re deeply saddened to announce on Thursday afternoon we said goodbye to beloved sea otter, Oz. His health rapidly declined after several unexpected seizures he suffered Tuesday. Oz was an ambassador for his endangered species & will be deeply missed.💙https://t.co/QY9nPjkWYq pic.twitter.com/O5VWONpzVJ
— Georgia Aquarium (@GeorgiaAquarium) February 21, 2019
Oz came to the Georgia Aquarium from the Oregon Zoo and leaves behind three other otters, Brighton, Bixby and Cruz.
The aquarium’s website says male sea otters in human care generally live 10-15 years. So at 18, Oz was considered a geriatric animal.
The website says sea otters are listed as “endangered” from such threats as entanglement in fishing nets, oil spills and shark attacks.
Top Stories
