Snow Day at Shedd Aquarium

Shedd Aquarium’s rescued sea otters received special enrichment when animal care experts brought fresh snow into their habitat. With the densest fur in the animal kingdom, the otters took no time striding and sliding into the snow.

This type of play encourages physical exercise and mental stimulation, which is critical to excellent animal care. It’s also important to keep the sessions varied and fun, so adding a new element like snow intrigues and satisfies these naturally curious animals. Throughout the year, Shedd’s animal trainers will often use plastic cutting boards, carwash strips, ice cubes, and hollow balls stuffed with their favorite sustainable fish during training and enrichment sessions for the otters.

VISUALS: Luna, a Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), and Kiana, a Northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni), are both rescues that were deemed non-releasable by wildlife officials and call Shedd home. Shedd Aquarium is one of only a few U.S. institutions experienced in nurturing and rehabilitating stranded and orphaned sea otter pups. 

Luna can be identified by her solid brown fur and with a hint of lighter fur on her muzzle. Kiana, also pictured, is a real standout with an all-white head. Yaku, a Northern sea otter and Shedd’s only male, also participated in the enrichment session and is identified as the largest.