Today’s Tuesday Textures star is the whimsical, wondrous, wildly talented Selka the sea otter — a true Monterey Bay Aquarium legend.
Selka isn’t just adorable; she’s a full‑blown marine‑mammal icon. She’s survived a shark bite, contributed to scientific research, raised orphaned pups as a surrogate mother, and somehow still finds time to be the aquarium’s unofficial hostess with the mostest on live cam.
In the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s latest feature, Selka is introduced as an “acrobatic, aquatic academic” — and honestly, the title fits. She learns quickly during training and enrichment sessions, often leaving her care team wondering if she’s the one training them. Before joining the aquarium’s raft, Selka even participated in a research study on the sensitivity of otter paws, earning her what the team lovingly calls her Paw‑hD.
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Her intelligence, confidence, and steady temperament make her a perfect fit for the Sea Otter Surrogacy Program. Like all exhibit otters, Selka was deemed non‑releasable by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife. But while she can’t return to the wild herself, she gives orphaned pups a second chance — teaching them essential skills like grooming and foraging so they can one day thrive in the ocean.
Southern sea otters play a vital role in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems, from kelp forests to estuaries. Selka’s work helps restore these populations one pup at a time.
As both a student and a teacher, Selka shines. With everything she’s accomplished, she’s earned her reputation for brilliance — and our hearts.
Dig out the warm, fuzzy, adorable clip below!
For more on Selka and all the other sea friends, visit Monterey Bay Aquarium.
What’s your favorite Selka moment from the clip? Comment below.
