“Eddie the sea otter” found Internet fame in 2013 when a video went viral showing the adorable little guy slam-dunking a toy basketball through a miniature hoop. The Oregon Zoo, where Eddie lived, trained him to play basketball as therapy for his arthritis as he aged.
According to the Oregon Zoo, the 21-year-old otter was humanely euthanized on Thursday following a decline in his health. He is believed to have been one of the oldest of his species in the world; male sea otters seldom live past 15 years.
Eddie had been rescued as an orphan in California in 1998. He spent his rehabilitation time at the Monterey Aquarium and two years later was transferred to the Oregon Zoo. Eddie’s “team” – the Portland Trailblazers, who attached their logo to Eddie’s miniature basketball hoop, sent their condolences:
“We will never forget our friend Eddie, a true ambassador for otters and the game of basketball. Thanks to the @OregonZoo for bringing him into our lives.”
Two sea otters at the zoo still remain – Lincoln and Juno – surely they will miss Eddie too.
Rest in peace little guy.
Check out his video:
https://www.facebook.com/oregonzoo/videos/756749821366431/
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Just an adorable game of hide and seek!
Hold me please
RIP, little angel “Eddie”! Thank you and blessings also to the Oregon Zoo! Unlike many other zoos you cared and took great care of Eddie! Hope other zoos follow your example!
Eddie was treated well by this zoo and they gave him the best care even as he aged. RIP Eddie, you will be missed by those who visited you playing basketball in the zoo.