Gone, But Not Forgotten

Nyac, the little otter that did (survive an oil spill, become famous, cause millions of people the world over to aww at her and Milo’s “rafting”)  passed away today.

From the press release:

Vancouver, BC – Staff and volunteers at the Vancouver Aquarium are profoundly saddened to share news of the passing of Nyac, a 20 year old female sea otter.

Nyac came to the Vancouver Aquarium in 1989 as one of the few young survivors of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. A veterinary team from the Vancouver Aquarium were on the scene to help handle the disaster and to provide expert care for the traumatized animals. Many of the animals died but a few were rescued. The Vancouver Aquarium was able to provide a home for 8 of the unreleasable otters, including Nyac.

Nyac was at the upper limit of a female sea otter life span. Over the last 2-3 years Nyac has been showing signs of her advanced age most obviously a gradual slowing down in her general behaviours. In July, Nyac suddenly showed limited energy and mobility. The Aquarium’s veterinary team immediately began their work in an attempt to determine a reason for the sudden deterioration of Nyac’s health. An MRI revealed a serious inner ear infection however blood test results showed a more serious underlying disorder.

With treatment, Nyac’s behaviour improved and since that time she had been under close observation by the marine mammal and veterinary care teams. Last Friday her condition worsened and she was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Nyac was placed under 24-hour care with key staff in attendance. Her condition continued to worsen until Nyac passed away early this morning.

Although I don’t go the Aquarium as often as I used to, I have very fond memories of watching the otters, and will miss Nyac and her sweet ways.

With thanks to Cynthia Holmes

(who posted this on youtube and then generously donated the video to the Vancouver Aquarium)