Sea Otter Of YouTube Fame Passes Away

Nyac is probably the most viewed sea otter of all time...thanks to YouTube. Viewed by 11 million YouTubers a video of Nyac holding hands with another otter brought the charasmatic to international fame. A survivor of an Exxon oil spill, Nyac was brought to the Vancuver Aquarium where she instantly became a hit among visitors and staff.

Nyac was 20 years old when she died, putting her on the late stages of female life span and the oldest resident of the aquarium - a remarkable feature for an otter that went through an oil spill.

Nyac was not only important because she offered an insight on how to care for otters after oil slicks, but because she caught the attention of the public, many of which may have never watched videos of otters otherwise.  Perhaps at least some of the 11 million people will now be sea otter allies and hope for the protection of the animal and the oceans. 

Thanks Nyac and rest in peace.