Sea otter dies at Mie Prefecture aquarium; only one left in Japan

Courtesy of the Toba Aquarium Kira in March.

TOKYO: One of only two sea otters kept in captivity in Japan has died at the Toba Aquarium in Toba, Mie Prefecture, it was announced Thursday (Nov 5).

Kira, 18, has died, leaving the aquarium with 22-year-old Mei, the last sea otter now in Japan.

Kira (right) and Mei at the Toba Aquarium in May last year. - Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun

“Kira helped convey the charm of sea otters to many people,” an aquarium official said.

“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many fans who have loved Kira over the years.” - The Yomiuri Shimbun