Liao, Japan's only male sea otter, was announced deceased on January 4, 2023, at the Marine World Uminonakamichi aquarium, leaving many saddened by the news. At 17 years of age, Liao was considered elderly for his species, equated to roughly 70 or 80 years old in human terms, and had been beloved by both staff and visitors for his playful antics.
Brought to Marine World from Adventure World, Wakayama at the age of five, Liao captured the hearts of many with his adorable performances, particularly during feeding times. According to aquarium staff, "Liao was beloved as the only male sea otter. His performances and charm brought joy to many visitors." His playful presence had played a significant part in attracting crowds to the otter pool.
Unfortunately, his health began to decline significantly at the end of 2022, with the aquarium noting he had stopped eating on December 27. Staff decided to halt public exhibitions and dedicated their efforts to care for him, hoping for recovery. This decision underscored the attention Liao received over his years at the aquarium, as he was not just another otter but one way to connect visitors with wildlife. Sadly, by the morning of January 4, he succumbed to his health issues, reportedly passing at around 7:00 AM.
Reflecting on his passing, Marine World officials stated, "With Liao's passing, the exhibition of sea otters at our aquarium, which began in 1989, has come to an end." This statement carries significant weight, as Liao was not only the highlight of this exhibition but also the last male sea otter left in any aquarium across Japan.
The significance of Liao’s passing extends beyond the walls of Marine World. The decline of sea otters is well-documented, and Liao's death has raised concerns about the remaining population. Currently, the only captive sea otters left are two females at the Toba Aquarium, located in Mie Prefecture. "He was cherished by visitors and contributed to raising awareness about the species," staff members noted, highlighting the role of zoos and aquariums as sanctuaries for endangered species.
These concerns around conservation are underscored by the fact sea otters are currently classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Factors contributing to this status include habitat destruction and overhunting. With the strict regulations on importing these animals stemming from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the breed's future remains uncertain.
Liao's charm and character were not only pivotal for the aquarium but were also instrumental in educating the public on the importance of marine conservation. Visitors frequently commented on Liao's impact through social media, with one user expressing, "Liao kun, thank you for so many years. May you rest peacefully..." Another added, "The day when we can no longer see sea otters is near... how sad!" These sentiments reflect the emotional impact Liao had on countless people who visited the Marine World.
Marine World has since set up a memorial space near the otter pool for visitors to pay their respects to Liao, allowing his fans to commingle their memories as they mourn the loss of this beloved sea otter. The memory of Liao will live on as both staff and visitors carry forward the lesson of love for wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species.