The Vancouver Aquarium is collaborating with the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society to rescue and rehabilitate marine animals, with a goal of releasing them back into the ocean.

In June, four sea otters—Quatse, Hardy, Mak, and Taz—will be transferred to the Aquarium du Québec to support its new sea otter habitat and create space for future rescues at the Vancouver Aquarium.

This initiative allows both aquariums to enhance their conservation efforts and raise awareness.

“All of the sea otters in our care were rescued as orphaned pups and deemed non-releasable by Canadian and U.S. government agencies,” says Mackenzie Neale, Vancouver Aquarium animal care director. “Our aquarium’s otter habitat provides a safe and enriching home—but it also has limits. This transfer creates much-needed space for when the next otter needs our help.”

The Vancouver Aquarium is the only aquarium in Canada with a sea otter habitat, but the Aquarium du Québec is now welcoming these animals as well. This expansion allows more rescued, non-releasable otters to receive specialized support.