An adorable rescued sea otter is winning over hearts in San Diego as she continues to thrive after she was found orphaned and stranded on rocks in her natural home.
Meet Cinder: The adorable sea otter was rescued from Alaska when she was five weeks old and has made a remarkable recovery in the past three weeks
Hey cutie: Cinder, pictured, was only five pounds when she was found stranded and orphaned among the rocks in Alaska
Transformation: Under constant care, the sea otter learned how to swim – as well as how to groom and feed herself
According to SeaWorld, sea otters are currently ‘below optimal sustainable population levels’, so it was of the utmost importance that Cinder be nursed back to full health.
Fluff ball: The critter has found many fans on SeaWorld’s Instagram, who have called her the ‘cutest animal ever’
Before: When Cinder arrived at the animal experience center in California a few weeks ago, she was only five pounds
Heart breaker: Cinder, pictured at six weeks, before she settled into SeaWorld
She has learned how to swim, groom herself, and has been enjoying bottle feeding.
Soon, she will move onto a diet of small pieces of clams and shrimp.
Ironically, it’s also Sea Otter Awareness Week.
Unbeknownst to many, sea otters play a ‘critical role’ in the nearshore ecosystem.
Growing: The cute little animal has gained almost three lbs since being cared for at SeaWorld
This is the life: Cinder reclines in a pool of water as a SeaWorld vet feeds her from a bottle
Growing: Thanks to constant care, Cinder is visibly thriving
Fuzzy: Cinder is one of 841 animals rescued by SeaWorld so far this year
‘Oh my gosh I LOVE HER!!!! BABY,’ said a user.
‘The cutest animal I’ve ever seen,’ said another – while one woman simply stated, ‘I’m obsessed’.