Who We Support

Sea Otter Bakehouse have been make contributions to nonprofits / organizations / programs that work for sea otter conservation. Here is a list of some of them. 
Your direct contribution will also help sea otters thrive along the North Pacific and help them recover to their historic range. Click the organization /program name for a lint to donation site of them.

Nonprofit Organizations

These organizations are all 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to protecting sea otters and the marine ecosystems they depend on. Their work includes habitat restoration, community engagement, scientific research, and policy advocacy—all aimed at ensuring a future where sea otters and coastal ecosystems can thrive. They collaborate closely with aquariums, federal and state agencies, and local businesses to achieve lasting conservation impact. Their efforts are made possible by your support—every donation helps strengthen conservation projects, safeguard fragile marine environments, and inspire future generations to protect our oceans and the incredible wildlife that depends on them.

Sea Otter Recovery Fund  DONATED 2024

The Sea Otter Recovery Fund, administered by the California State Coastal Conservancy, is vital for supporting efforts to conserve and recover sea otter populations along the California coast. This fund provides crucial financial resources to support research, habitat restoration, and conservation initiatives aimed at addressing the numerous threats facing sea otters, such as habitat loss, pollution, and conflicts with human activities. By investing in these projects, the Sea Otter Recovery Fund plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the iconic sea otter species, preserving marine biodiversity, and promoting the ecological health of coastal ecosystems for future generations.

Sea Otter Savvy       DONATED 2024 / 2025

Sea Otter Savvy, a nonprofit organization, promotes responsible behavior around wild sea otters to ensure their conservation. They educate the public, wildlife enthusiasts, and recreational users about respecting sea otters' natural behaviors and habitats. Providing guidelines and resources, Sea Otter Savvy emphasizes observing sea otters from a safe distance to avoid causing stress or disruptions. By fostering awareness and responsible stewardship, they aim to protect sea otters and their habitats while promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Elkhorn Slough Foundation

Elkhorn Slough is an ecological gem—a coastal wetland crucial for marine biodiversity and conservation research. The Elkhorn Slough Foundation protects this unique ecosystem through restoration, stewardship, and scientific support. Their work not only preserves vital habitats but also enhances the recovery of sea otters, whose presence strengthens marsh resilience, promotes eelgrass revival, and supports broader ecosystem health.

The Marine Mammal Center     DONATED 2024

The Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick, injured, or orphaned marine mammals, including sea otters. They provide medical care and rehabilitation facilities to treat marine mammals in need, aiming to return them to their natural habitats. Additionally, the center conducts scientific research, education, and outreach programs to raise awareness about marine mammal conservation and advocate for their protection. Through these efforts, The Marine Mammal Center plays a crucial role in the conservation and welfare of marine mammals, including sea otters, ensuring their well-being and the health of marine ecosystems.


The Otter Project

The Otter Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving California's sea otters and their habitats. They focus on research, advocacy, and outreach efforts to address threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear. Through collaborations with stakeholders and policymakers, they advocate for policies and regulations supporting sea otter recovery. The organization also engages in public outreach and education to raise awareness about the importance of sea otters in marine ecosystems. By promoting conservation efforts and working to ensure the long-term survival of sea otters, The Otter Project plays a crucial role in preserving California's coastal environments.

    The Elakha Alliance         DONATED 2024

    The Elakha Alliance is a nonprofit organization committed to restoring sea otters to their historical habitats along the Oregon coast. Through scientific research, community engagement, and advocacy efforts, they aim to support the recovery of sea otters in Oregon. Collaborating with scientists, policymakers, stakeholders, and local communities, the Elakha Alliance raises awareness about the ecological benefits of sea otters and the potential for their reintroduction. By working towards the restoration of sea otters in Oregon's coastal ecosystems, the Elakha Alliance seeks to promote biodiversity, enhance ecosystem health, and contribute to the long-term conservation of marine resources.

     Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition    DONATED 2024

    The Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition works to preserve Oregon’s coastal environment through community engagement, policy advocacy, and scientific research. They manage initiatives like CoastWatch and the Oregon Marine Reserves Partnership. They also collaborate with the Elakha Alliance to support the reintroduction of sea otters in Oregon waters, enhancing marine ecosystems. Their efforts include addressing climate change, shoreline erosion, and habitat degradation to ensure a healthy coastal environment for future generations.

      Sea Otter Foundation and Trust     DONATED 2024

        The Sea Otter Foundation and Trust, based in Colorado, USA, is dedicated to global sea otter conservation. They support research, conservation projects, education, and advocacy efforts to protect sea otters and their habitats. Collaborating with stakeholders worldwide, they address threats such as habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change. The organization raises public awareness about the vital role of sea otters in marine ecosystems and advocates for their conservation on local, national, and international levels. Through their initiatives, the Sea Otter Foundation and Trust work tirelessly to ensure the long-term survival and well-being of sea otters worldwide.

        Defenders of Wildlife

        Defenders of Wildlife plays a crucial role in sea otter conservation by advocating for policies that protect these iconic marine mammals and their habitats. Through research, education, and outreach efforts, they raise awareness about the importance of sea otters in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems. Defenders of Wildlife also works to address threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances that endanger sea otter populations. By collaborating with stakeholders and supporting conservation initiatives, they strive to ensure the long-term survival of sea otters and promote the health and resilience of marine environments.

        Wildlife Conservation Network - Sea Otter Program

        Wildlife Conservation Network is a globally active nonprofit that empowers on-the-ground conservationists with the resources, training, and community they need to thrive. Through its Conservation Partners, Wildlife Funds, and Rising Leaders initiatives, WCN ensures targeted, efficient, and sustainable conservation—where every dollar and every action contributes directly to protecting endangered species and enabling harmonious coexistence between wildlife and human communities.

        Alaska SeaLife Center

        The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward is Alaska’s only marine mammal rehabilitation facility, public aquarium, and research center. It rescues and rehabilitates injured or orphaned wildlife, including sea otters, and conducts vital research on marine ecosystems. Through education, public engagement, and scientific collaboration, the Center deepens understanding of ocean life. Its sea otter work—rescue, care, and research—plays a crucial role in sustaining populations and protecting Alaska’s coastal biodiversity.

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        Aquariums & Zoos

        All facilities that house sea otters are AZA-accredited, meaning they meet the highest standards of care to ensure these animals thrive. These institutions have also agreed to largely stop breeding sea otters in human care, focusing instead on giving rescued or non-releasable otters a second chance at life.

        By supporting these facilities, you help provide expert care for rescued otters and allow them to serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, raising awareness about the importance of healthy oceans and kelp forest ecosystems.

        Monterey Bay Aquarium (CA, USA)

        The Monterey Bay Aquarium plays a crucial role in sea otter conservation by conducting groundbreaking research, providing critical care for injured or stranded sea otters, and raising public awareness about their importance in coastal ecosystems. Through its Sea Otter Program, the aquarium collaborates with scientists, policymakers, and organizations to address threats and promote recovery. Notably, the aquarium pioneered a one-of-a-kind sea otter surrogacy program, rescuing, rehabilitating, and raising stranded pups to be released into the wild. These efforts, combined with educational initiatives, inspire conservation action to protect these charismatic marine mammals and their habitats for future generations.

        Aquarium of the Pacific (CA, USA)

        Located in Long Beach, California, the Aquarium of the Pacific cares for rescued southern sea otters and plays a major role in the Sea Otter Surrogacy Program. The exhibit allows guests to learn about threats to sea otters such as oil spills, entanglement, and habitat loss. AOP is a critical partner in rescuing and raising stranded otter pups, preparing them for release when possible. The aquarium emphasizes conservation, education, and climate resilience.

        SeaWorld San Diego has a long history of caring for rescued sea otters, particularly those that cannot be released back to the wild. Its Otter Habitat showcases the playful nature of these keystone animals while teaching visitors about conservation and rescue efforts. SeaWorld has collaborated with U.S. Fish & Wildlife and aquariums to provide lifelong care for non-releasable otters. As of 2025, it houses one of the largest groups of southern sea otters in human care.

        Seattle Aquarium (WA, USA)

        The Seattle Aquarium, located on the city’s waterfront, inspires marine conservation in the Pacific Northwest. Its Marine Mammals exhibit features northern sea otters rescued from Alaska. The aquarium conducts research on otter behavior, diet, and health to support conservation and hosts a biennial Sea Otter Conservation Workshop. Public programs highlight sea otters’ role in maintaining kelp forests and advocate for ocean health, addressing climate change and plastic pollution impacts on local ecosystems.

        Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (WA, USA)

        Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, in Tacoma, is a combined zoo and aquarium highlighting the wildlife of the Pacific Rim. Its “Rocky Shores” exhibit houses southern sea otters that were rescued as pups and are now permanent residents. The zoo contributes to sea otter conservation through education programs and partnerships with rescue facilities.

        Oregon Zoo in Portland is home to rescued southern sea otters and emphasizes conservation and habitat restoration in the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the species’ vital role in maintaining healthy kelp forests. Through interactive exhibits and education, the zoo inspires action to protect marine ecosystems. The zoo partners with Elakha Alliance, an Oregon-based organization led by tribal leaders and conservationists working to bring sea otters back to the Oregon coast.

        The Oregon Coast Aquarium connects visitors with Pacific Northwest marine life through immersive exhibits and conservation education. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is the only facility in Oregon authorized to provide specialized care to endangered marine wildlife like sea turtles, Gaudalupe fur seals, and sea otters. Alongside these efforts, the Aquarium’s public education programs highlight the importance of sea otters and the crucial role they play in healthy ocean ecosystems, inspiring visitors to support conservation efforts surrounding this vulnerable species.

        Minnesota Zoo recently expanded its marine mammals program to include rescued sea otters, giving visitors a chance to learn about these charismatic animals. The otters arrived as non-releasable rescues and now serve as ambassadors for conservation, helping to inspire action for ocean health and climate resilience.

        Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium houses sea otters as part of its mission to educate and inspire visitors about the importance of aquatic ecosystems. Through interactive exhibits, the zoo highlights sea otters’ playful behaviors and ecological role.

        Located in Chicago, Shedd Aquarium exhibits rescued sea otters and highlights conservation issues affecting marine environments. The aquarium has provided a permanent home for non-releasable otters and educates the public on the species’ natural history, adaptations, and challenges in the wild.

        Detroit Zoo is home to southern sea otters in its Arctic Ring of Life exhibit. The zoo emphasizes conservation, rescue, and research, raising awareness of human impacts on marine habitats.

        Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the largest aquariums in the world and an AZA-accredited institution. Its Cold Water Quest gallery features southern sea otters rescued from the wild. These otters serve as ambassadors for their species, helping to educate the public about the importance of conservation efforts. The aquarium offers a Sea Otter Encounter program, allowing guests to engage with these charismatic animals while learning about their behaviors and the challenges they face in the wild.

        Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, in Pennsylvania, houses Northern sea otters in its Water’s Edge exhibit. Through public education and enrichment sessions, visitors observe otters’ behaviors and problem-solving skills. These programs highlight their ecological roles and the importance of protecting coastal habitats, raising awareness and inspiring support for wild sea otter populations.

        As part of the Wildlife Conservation Society, the New York Aquarium on Coney Island cares for rescued southern sea otters. Opened in 2023, its sea otter exhibit is the first on the U.S. East Coast, highlighting rescue stories and the species’ vital role in ocean ecosystems.

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        Research Grant 

        Sea Otter bakehouse also support research works that will help future sea otter conservation.

        University of Michigan 2025

        Sea Otter Bakehouse, with additional personal contributions from its owner, has donated to support Samantha Hamilton’s PhD research on wild sea otters at Cape Kiritappu, Hokkaido, Japan. Samantha, beginning her doctoral studies at the University of Michigan, will dedicate part of her dissertation to Japan’s small but significant sea otter population. Once hunted to extinction, sea otters have slowly reappeared, with just over a dozen now residing at Kiritappu. Samantha’s work is crucial for advancing sea otter conservation in Japan and understanding their ecological role, especially in sustaining kelp forests essential for marine biodiversity. We are honored to support this effort.