Asthmatic Otter Uses Inhaler, Melts Hearts Everywhere

This lovable sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium learned how to use an inhaler after she developed asthma.​

Mishka the sea otter began to have trouble breathing when wildfires near Seattle clogged the sky with smoke. Doctors at the Seattle Aquarium diagnosed the otter with asthma — the first case to be seen among these marine mammals. To teach her how to use a human inhaler, her trainers tempted her with tasty treats. In addition to spreading warm fuzzy feelings all around with her adorable antics, Mishka demonstrates the common thread of health connecting humans with all other species. She most likely developed asthma from a combination of aggravating environmental factors, like the excessive smoke, and reduced genetic diversity after Washington sea otters became extinct in the early 20th century. Although Mishka is only one year old, she'll probably depend on her inhaler for the rest of her life.