Cup-Stacking Otter Wows The Web [Video]

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington has aardvarks, leopards, elephants, and one incredibly cute cup-stacking otter.

Nellie, the cup-stacking otter, is a well trained animal at the Washington aquarium. The otter lives with her otter friends — Abra, Homer, Kaladi and Libby — but Nellie is by far the most famous due to her amazing cup-stacking abilities.

The zoo calls the activity an enrichment exercise. The zoo keeper puts three cups into the water, all of which are different colors and sizes, and the otter’s job is to arrange them in order.

The video was put up on Youtube earlier this month and already has more than 800,000 views, which is great since the zoo is trying to raise awareness for sea otters.

Next month the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium will host a Sea Otter Awareness Day to help protect their favorite sea animals. The sea otter holds a special place in the hearts of the Washington Zoo as they took in several animals who were put in danger after the Exxon Valdez spill.

You can read more about sea otter appreciation day here. Or check out this video of Nellie the cup-stacking otter.