Meet our new ocean animals
September 07 2021 – Cecily Morgan
Our new baby socks have dropped and this time they’ll be helping four endangered ocean animals in collaboration with WWF - the orca, the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, the sea otter, and the Singapore freshwater crab. Want to get better acquainted with them? Dive in…
The Orca
Known for its distinctive black and white appearance, the orca is perhaps more often referred to as the killer whale. However despite its name, this ocean animal belongs to the dolphin family and is in fact the largest dolphin in the ocean!
From the Arctic to the Atlantic, orcas can be found in almost all of the world’s oceans and are highly sociable animals - they’re thought to develop friendships, hunt in packs, and sometimes even stay with their mothers their entire lives.
However, sadly, their numbers are declining. There are thought to be just 50 000 orcas left in the world due to depletion of its prey species, pollution, oil spills, and noise disturbance in their habitat.
The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
Named after the amateur naturalist who discovered the species, the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle is the rarest - and most endangered - turtle species on earth. Growing to just 58-70 centimetres tall, they’re also tiny, and amazingly, they change colour as they grow older - when they hatch, they’re a dark purple colour but when they get older, their shell turns a grey-green colour.
Adult Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are mostly found in the Gulf of Mexico but younger ones often migrate into the Atlantic Ocean, finding themselves around the waters of Florida or Massachusetts.
Unfortunately, these precious sea turtles are at real risk of extinction as there are thought to be just 7000 to 9000 left in the world. In the past, egg poaching was the biggest threat they faced but today, they also face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and fishing bycatch.
The Sea Otter
We all know that sea otters are adorable, but they’re also fascinating. They’re the smallest marine mammal in existence and, although they can walk on land, they can also survive exclusively in the ocean - they even have nostrils that can close and webbed feet. However, unlike other ocean animals, sea otters don’t have blubber, and instead rely on their thick fur coats to keep them warm. These coats should be very cosy given that their fur is the densest of any animal on earth.
Perhaps the most lovable fact about sea otters is that they’re particularly devoted mothers, giving their pups near constant attention. They cradle them to their chest away from cold water, groom its fur, and when they forage, the pups cry until their mothers return.
Sadly, there are currently thought to be just over 100 000 sea otters left in the world, making them vulnerable to extinction. Their biggest threat used to be the fur trade but today they’re most endangered by oil spills and fishing bycatch.
The Singapore Freshwater Crab
The Singapore freshwater crab, also known as the Singapore steam crab, is one of the rarest animals on earth. Growing to just over an inch tall, it’s also one of the smallest ocean animals in existence.
As the name suggests, Singapore freshwater crabs live in Singapore and have never been located anywhere else. Living in streams that run through undisturbed forests, the species currently has just one small population near Bukit Batok in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
With just a few hundred left in the wild, this crab is in real danger of extinction, with threats including loss of forest cover, water pollution, and the acidification of water.
Ocean animal baby socks
We’re determined to do our bit to save these ocean animals from extinction, which is why we’ve released a brand new set of baby socks that will support WWF’s amazing work to protect them. From creating safe ocean habitats for orcas to reducing turtle bycatch, you’ll be able to contribute to their conservation simply by treating the babies in your life to some super comfy little socks.
