Did you know that mama sea otters carry their babies around on their stomachs for the first month or so of their lives? It would be difficult to hold a baby 24/7, and when it’s time to finally start teaching their little ones to swim, they’re probably relieved!
Ayse Genisel shares nature-related photos and videos of the ocean animals that live near Monterey Bay in northern California. She was at the right place at the right time recently and got to see a baby sea otter floating alone for the first time, though mom stays close by. Mom looks excited to have some free time while the baby looks like he’s in heaven!
Ayse shared more information, including information about keeping the sea otters safe, in the video’s caption, “Liked by
swimming1991 and 2,367,198 others
“I floated on my own today.
Mom was nearby, watching closely,
but the waves felt like my own little world —
a gentle lesson in independence, carried by the sea.
Filmed from shore using zoom to maintain a respectful distance.
Please never approach, feed, or follow sea otters —
observing from afar helps protect both wildlife and people.
If you see a disturbance or an injured otter:
• The Marine Mammal Center — 415-289-SEAL (7325)
• NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline — 1-866-767-6114
To report harassment or wildlife violations:
• CalTIP (California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife) — 1-888-334-2258
• Or text “CALTIP [your message]” to 847411″
Related: Baby Sea Otters’ Adorable Chirps Are Melting Hearts Across the Internet
Sweet Reactions to the Baby Sea Otter’s New Independence
Viewers left more than 10,000 comments about the little otter’s newfound freedom and the mama otter’s excitement about it. @Iyss got a whopping 338,000 likes when she shared, “Meanwhile, mom’s catching up with an everything shower…”
Everybody agreed with @Alyson Caraway and gave her 34,000 likes when she said, “Baby otters have NO business being as cute as they are.”
We laughed when @em hexe asked, “Is this the equivalent of showering with the curtain open while your infant is in a bouncy chair?”, and swooned when @yogu added, “Oh to be a baby sea otter floating in the water while my mom spins around next to me…”
It’s clear from all of these lovely comments that everybody fell in love with the precious baby otter!
This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.