Abandoned sea otter pup rescued in Washington State

WASHINGTON (KTVU) A 3-week-old abandoned sea otter pup was recently rescued from Rialto Beach along the coast of Washington State.

The pup was very thin and weak. Rescuers determined he was in critical condition. 

The sea otter pup, currently called, 'Rialto' was taken to the Seattle Aquarium and was placed under quarantine.

Rialto has been receiving 24-7 care from aquarium employees and volunteers.

According to the aquarium, “There’s a tremendous responsibility and cost related to sea otters... their care, feeding, space requirements … it’s a lot to take on.” 

Since the aquarium already has a male sea otter, they have found a future home for Rialto at Vancouver Aquarium in British Columbia, Canada.

That's because male sea otters fight with each other over females, and the aquarium would have to build a separate exhibit if they kept Rialto.