Toba Aquarium Sea Otter Tank

A Rare Look at Sea Otters

Sea otters are among the rarest marine mammals in human care, and Toba Aquarium is one of only a handful of facilities worldwide still home to them. This live view looks straight into their dedicated indoor tank, where the animals spend their lives floating on their backs, diving and meticulously grooming their dense fur.

Meet Mei and Kira

The tank is shared by two females: Mei, born at Toba Aquarium and the oldest sea otter living in a Japanese aquarium, and Kira, a laid-back arrival from Adventure World in Wakayama. Watch closely and you can tell them apart — Mei's coat is paler while Kira's belly is darker.

Inside the Enclosure

The curved deck, a floating log and scattered toys give the otters places to rest, play and forage. A high-sensitivity camera keeps the tank clearly visible around the clock, so the pair's constant activity is always on view.

Toba Aquarium

Located on Ise Bay in the port city of Toba, Toba Aquarium is famed for caring for the widest variety of species of any aquarium in Japan. Its long-running otter program has helped drive a nationwide fascination with these charismatic animals.