Four rescued sea otters will leave Vancouver Aquarium in June, creating more space to care for future orphaned otters in need.
Four Sea Otters Set for New Home in Quebec
Big changes are coming to the Vancouver Aquarium this summer. Four beloved sea otters Hardy, Mak, Quatse and Taz — will soon head to Quebec City as part of a major rescue and conservation effort.
The move, planned for early June, will see the otters transferred to Aquarium du Québec. While many visitors may feel sad to see them go, the change brings an important benefit. More rescued sea otters will now have a chance to receive care in Canada.
More Rescue Space Means More Lives Saved
For years, the Vancouver Aquarium has remained the only aquarium in Canada with a dedicated sea otter habitat. Because of that, orphaned and injured otters from across the region have relied on the facility for survival.
Now, that responsibility will be shared.
The Aquarium du Québec recently opened a new sea otter habitat. As a result, Canada will gain additional space for rescued otters that cannot return to the wild.
According to the Vancouver Aquarium, the expanded network will help more non-releasable otters receive long-term care and support.
Why the Transfer Matters
Every sea otter currently living at the Vancouver Aquarium was rescued after losing its mother or becoming unable to survive in the wild.
Recently rescued otters Tofino and Luna will remain in Vancouver. However, space inside the habitat has become limited as the otter population grew to 10.
Mackenzie Neale from the Vancouver Aquarium explained that the habitat offers a safe and enriching environment, yet capacity remains a challenge. Therefore, the transfer will create room for future rescues when the next otter arrives in need of care.
Meet the Four Sea Otters Leaving Vancouver
Each otter has its own rescue story.
- Hardy was rescued near Port Hardy in 2017.
- Mak arrived from Alaska later that same year.
- Taz was rescued in Alaska in 2019.
- Quatse entered care in 2021 after spending time at the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre.
Over the years, the four otters became visitor favourites at the aquarium.
Last Chance to Visit Hardy, Mak, Quatse and Taz
Visitors still have a few weeks to say goodbye.
The final day to see Hardy, Mak, Quatse and Taz at the Vancouver Aquarium will be May 31, 2026.
After that, the otters will begin their next chapter in Quebec, where they will help inspire visitors while also making room for more rescued marine animals back in Vancouver.
