We’ve all heard the term ‘baby fever’, and many of us have felt it before…but did you know that sea otters get it too? KP is a marine biologist and animal behavior expert in Tacoma, Washington who is lucky enough to work with walruses, sea otters and sea lions. On Friday, April 12th, she shared a video about a sea otter named Libby, who currently has baby fever.
KP explains that Libby is going through an estrus cycle, a hormonal cycle that “tells her she needs to have a baby.” Since there are no babies swimming around, Libby finds a surrogate baby in her friend Clara. Watch what happens when Libby tries to be her mom!
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:
@k_passionate Libby has baby fever! #babyfever #seaotter #otter ♬ fish in the pool・花屋敷 – ヘクとパスカル
I think Clara’s had enough of being treated like a baby! The little ‘back off’ swat was just the cutest! KP’s commenters all agreed that this was beyond adorable. I’m with @Wesley who said, “I volunteer as tribute.” @Kassinova gets it and shared, “Same girl, same.” @Stanleyparkcoyote asked, “Is Clara bigger than Libby LOL!” and KP laughed, “Significantly!!!”
Another commenter wondered, “Is it safe for them to have these periods (pardon the phrasing) without being bred? In ferrets, it can lead to anemia. Just wondering, since they are somewhat related. TY!!” and KP replied, “It’s safe in sea otters! I have 4 ferrets of my own!”