Popular sea otter Kira dies at Japan aquarium, leaving only one captive nationwide

Toba Aquarium in Mie Prefecture announced the death of Kira, an 18-year-old female sea otter, on November 5. Mei, a 22-year-old female sea otter at the same facility, will now be the only captive sea otter in Japan. Kira had been suffering from leg and lower back issues since August and had been receiving intensive care, but her weight loss became more pronounced in recent weeks.

The aquarium closed the sea otter exhibit to the public on November 4 to focus on her treatment and monitoring. At around 7 a.m. on November 5, Kira began experiencing convulsions and was unable to be revived despite staff efforts to warm her, administer oxygen, and provide medication. The cause of death was determined to be cardiopulmonary arrest due to respiratory failure, though a pathological examination will provide a definitive answer.

Kira was born in 2008 at Adventure World in Wakayama Prefecture and was moved to Toba Aquarium in March 2021 to join Mei as part of efforts to keep multiple sea otters together for animal welfare. The pair, affectionately known as Kira-Mei, helped raise awareness about sea otters and their appeal to the public. Kira enjoyed a leisurely pace and had a fondness for squid, shellfish, and ice, as well as a clumsy side and a special high-speed wave of her forepaws.

The aquarium expressed their commitment to Mei's care as she copes with the loss of her companion, and a black curtain now covers the viewing window of Kira's tank. If public viewing resumes, the aquarium will announce the change on their website and social media. They plan to set up a board for fans to leave messages for Kira but asked for respectful declines of flowers and offerings.