In March 2010, we put a ring about 50 cm in diameter in the sea otter exhibit as a toy. The otters were wary at first, but soon began to play with it, especially the 3-year-old male, who took a liking to it and monopolized it. He was always looking out for the toy even when he was eating, and when another sea otter put his hand on it, he rushed to get it back. Even if a staff member moves a toy, he will chase after it with great vigor, trying to get it back on land.

One day we decided to take the toy away from the otters because they were too preoccupied with it to concentrate on their meal. When the otter took his hands and eyes off the toy for a moment, we took it outside. Then, realizing that the toy was missing, it started squealing loudly, "squeaky squeaky" as it searched around. It sounded like a child crying for its mother. It kept meowing so much that I had to put the toy back again.
Nowadays, he occasionally plays with his toys, but he is able to concentrate on his food. It seems that the day will come soon when she will be able to both eat and play.
(Yuka Nakagawa)