Phantom the Northern Sea Otter Receives Holiday Care at Alaska Sea Life Center After Facial Trauma

Phantom the Northern Sea Otter Receives Holiday Care at Alaska Sea Life Center

A very special guest has made his way to the Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward this holiday season – a northern sea otter named Phantom. Phantom, who calls Resurrection Bay home, is receiving treatment after suffering significant facial trauma. The young otter was first reported at the Seward small boat harbor but proved elusive, earning his name for his ability to slip away from rescuers.

After several failed attempts to locate him, Phantom was eventually found in an outdoor hallway of an apartment complex less than a mile from where he was first spotted. The Sea Life Center's wildlife response team, which handles stranded, injured, or abandoned marine animals, brought Phantom in after receiving a call through their stranded marine animal hotline.

The Alaska Sea Life Center, located in Seward, is the only permanent rehabilitation facility for marine mammals in the entire state of Alaska. It's here that Phantom is being cared for and prepared for a return to the wild. Savannah Costner, who works with the center's wildlife response program, is excited about Phantom's recovery. She explains, "We want him to not associate humans with food because our goal is to release him back into the wild."

The center is focused on Phantom’s rehabilitation and making sure he’s ready to live freely in the ocean again. Despite the trauma he has faced, Phantom is making great progress and receiving special treats, including a slurry for the holidays.

Phantom’s presence at the center this Christmas serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Savannah emphasizes, "Phantom wouldn’t be here without someone calling us in. If you see an animal in distress, don’t hesitate to contact our hotline."

With continued care and attention, Phantom may be back with his fellow sea otters next Christmas. The Alaska Sea Life Center remains dedicated to preserving and rehabilitating marine life, offering hope to injured and stranded animals throughout the state.