Shedd Aquarium celebrates Sea Otter Awareness Week

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's Sea Otter Awareness Week!

Sea otters play a vital role in their ecosystems. The Shedd Aquarium is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of these animals, who are facing challenges in the wild.

RELATED: Orphaned sea otter doing well in new home at Shedd Aquarium, officials say

The Shedd has provided a forever home for three rescued sea otters, including Ellie, who the public helped name in 2016. She's the youngest of the three.

RELATED: Shedd reveals orphaned sea otter pup's new name

In honor of this week, Shedd animal trainers prepared a special enrichment session for the aquarium's sea otters, which are a crucial part of animal care. These sessions provide mental stimulation, physical exercise and teach the animals to cooperate in their own health care.

RELATED: Shedd helps rehabilitate orphaned sea otter pup in Alaska

Watch video of the session in the player above. See if you can spot Ellie!