Famous Capitola Oiled Otter Gives Birth; First in California History

Mid-County's most well-known animal, Olive the Otter, has started a family.

Olive became a celebrity in 2009 when she was found at Sunset State Beach covered in oil from what the Santa Cruz Sentinel calls "a natural seep off the coast."

She was revived by the Department of Fish and Game and was released back into the wild. She wasn't seen from July, 2011 until March of this year, but for the last six months she's been making regular appearances around Capitola beaches. 

Just three weeks ago, we reported that with no certain birth date in sight. That changed Tuesday afternoon when the official Olive the Oiled Otter Facebook page announced the following: 

OLIVE'S PUP HAS ARRIVED! The birth of Olive's pup is a milestone in oiled wildlife rehabilitation, as this is the first pup born to a previously oiled sea otter in California. Olive appears to be an attentive mother, frequently grooming, nursing and carrying her pup. For their safety and to minimize disturbance, monitoring will be done at a distance, and more updates will be coming soon! 

The photo above, taken by Joe Tomoleoni of the U.S. Geological Survey, shows Olive with her pup at Seacliff State Beach. 

In late August, Olive was seen near Seascape Resort. Along with her appearance this week at Seacliff, it appears she has moved a bit down the coast. Her previous frequent stomping grounds have been Capitola Beach and The Hook. According to Seaworld.org, however, home ranges of female sea otters can span about nine miles. 

To keep up with Olive, like her Facebook page. More than 2,000 others already have! And while you're there, like Capitola-Soquel Patch on Facebook too.