49ers "Otter" Win Super Bowl, Say Mote Otters

SARASOTA -- The oddsmakers are keeping the line on Super Bowl LIV close, but the otters have their own ideas when it comes to picking the winner.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota turned to its three resident river otters to choose a favorite for Sunday's game at Hard Rock Stadium.

According to spokesperson Stephannie Kettle, otters Huck and Pippi went with the San Francisco 49ers, while Jane chose the Kansas City Chiefs.

The otters made their picks by swimming to a target. Mote uses "target training" to make sure the animals can get food and medical help when needed.

Huck, Pippi and Jane were orphaned as pups and reside permanently at Mote because they're unsuitable to be returned to the wild. River otters are the focus of a new exhibit at Mote, "Otters and Their Waters." They're native to Florida and nearby states, unlike sea otters which are native to the West Coast of the U.S.

In previous years, Mote had used manatees to make Super Bowl picks but went with the otters this year because the manatee habitat is undergoing rehabilitation.

Hear an interview with Mote's public relations director Stephannie Kettle:

Photo Credit: Carlos Matthews / Mote Marine Laboratory


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