From Orphan to All-Star: Juno's Journey

Juno the sea otter spends her days running drills on the court, perfecting her game, and preparing for greatness. This dedicated athlete has been honing her basketball skills for years with the help of personal coaches.

A Second Chance at Life

Nine years ago, Juno was rescued as an orphaned pup by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. When efforts to pair her with a surrogate mother failed, she was deemed non-releasable and transferred to the Oregon Zoo. There, with the support of caring trainers, Juno discovered her true passion in life - basketball.

More Than Just a Game

For Juno, basketball isn't just an adorable hobby. Her daily practice serves a dual purpose. The activity provides important mental enrichment and helps fight arthritis in her elbow joints as she grows older. It's the perfect combination of fun and physical therapy.

Training Like a Pro

Every day, Juno's coaches bring two mini basketballs to her training sessions. But make no mistake - Juno runs the show. She decides whether she wants to work on dunking, dribbling, or passing skills during each practice. And like any top athlete, she rewards herself with her favorite snack after a good workout.

Going Public

Until recently, Juno kept her impressive skills under wraps in private training sessions. But the zoo maintenance team has changed that by adding a basketball hoop to her habitat. Now, lucky visitors might catch this star athlete in action, practicing her moves.

Building a Team

Just a few weeks ago, Juno's solo career took an exciting turn. The zoo's other two rescue otters, Sushi and Lincoln, picked up a basketball for the first time. Juno now has teammates to share her passion with, creating what might be the world's first sea otter basketball squad.

Next time you visit the Oregon Zoo, keep your eyes open for this dedicated athlete. You might just witness Juno showing off her impressive basketball skills or even coaching her new teammates through their first drills.