Audubon Aquarium Sea Otter Picks Sugar Bowl Winner
Many don't know that Audubon Aquarium has an "otterfly" adorable sports fan. To much anticipation, "Ruby," a rescued southern sea otter, has revealed her pick for the upcoming Sugar Bowl game between Clemson and Alabama.
Aquarium animal care staff created ice treats in the shape of football helmets and offered them to Ruby as enrichment. After careful observation, Ruby picked the Alabama treat - ROLL TIDE!
The sea otters receive enrichment tools daily. Enrichment at the AZA-accredited zoos and aquarium across the country typically include new food items, objects to manipulate, and activities designed to provide animals under professional care with opportunities to express natural, species-appropriate behaviors, whether it be foraging, exploring, playing, or other activities.
Ruby is a rescued juvenile sea otter from Monterey, Calif., who arrived to the Aquarium this past March. The young female sea otter was found as an abandoned day-old pup on September 12, 2015. While she appeared well enough to be released following a period of care, after several unsuccessful attempts, it was determined by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials that she would not survive in the ocean if left on her own.
Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.