One hundred years ago, sea otters were “extinct” in California. Giant kelp forests had disappeared in Monterey Bay. Humpback, blue, and grey whales had been hunted to near extinction. Now, 3,000 southern sea otters call California home. Monterey Bay teems with life. Sardines have returned. Eight species of whales, including orca, pass through the bay.

Pictured here is one of the sea otter surrogate mothers who have helped make this recovery happen. She lives at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and raises rescued pups by teaching them how to dive for food and use rocks to crack open oysters. Once mature enough, pups are released into Elkhorn Slough, a calm estuary where they can devour invasive green crabs and hot dog-shaped innkeeper worms.

At Earth Hope, we share environmental success stories to inspire action. Check the link to learn more about how sea otters helped whales return to Monterey Bay: earthhope.substack.com/…

Amanda Royal video.