Otter orphans trained for call of the wild

VIDEO In an effort to save the species, researchers are teaching Southern Sea Otter pups how to survive. CNN's Ann Kellan reports (July 5) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

MONTEREY, California (CNN) -- Fur hunters in the 1800s nearly wiped out the southern sea otter population off the California cost. Today the species again struggles to survive, this time because of diseases unleashed by human activities.

To help the animals survive, researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium are raising orphaned otters, which will eventually be released back into the wild.

Join CNN Technology Correspondent Ann Kellan as she tags along with the playful pups on their wilderness orientation program.