Beloved Detroit Zoo Sea Otter Dies After Sudden Illness

ROYAL OAK, MI — A beloved sea otter died at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, zoo officials said.

Ollie was 13-years-old when she died after developing a sudden illness, which quickly deteriorated and the team made the decision to humanely euthanize her, zoo officials said.

The cause of death was immediately known, but zoo officials said additional tests are pending.

Throughout her illness, the zoo said the vet and animal care teams worked to keep her comfortable, provide intensive care and observation and consulted with experts who specialize in sea otter care, zoo officials said.

"She was truly a special otter who captured the hearts of staff and guests alike. Described as 'perfect in every way' by her caretakers, she was extremely smart, loved snacking on soft-shelled crabs and enjoyed keeping her fur coat extra fluffy through daily grooming," zoo officials said.

Ollie was rescued from the California coast when she was just 2 weeks old and came to live at the Detroit Zoo in 2021, zoo officials said.