Sea Otters Repeatedly Smash Open Oysters and Clams to Enjoy the Tasty Treats Inside

During Sea Otter Awareness Week at the Oregon Zoo, three resident sea otters named Juno, Lincoln, and Uni Sushi repeatedly smashed fresh oysters and clams against hard surfaces to open their shells and enjoy their well-earned treats. The activity mirrors the way sea otters use rocks as tools to break open shellfish in the wild.

Watch Frisky Sea Otters Smash Open Fresh Oysters And Clams

The zoo’s three otters are non-releasable rescue animals who serve as ambassadors for efforts to restore sea otters to the Oregon coast.

“Juno, Lincoln and Uni Sushi are great ambassadors for their species”, said Nicole Nicassio-Hiskey, senior marine life keeper. “Bringing sea otters back to our coast would benefit all Oregonians, and we’re excited for our community to learn how they can help this historic effort become a reality”.

Otters Smash Open Shellfish

This Adorable Trio Has Been Together for Quite a While

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.