As a storm brews, a sea otter pup becomes separated from her mother, while a young woman seeking adventure arrives in town. On a rugged, windswept beach, their paths intersect, making the survival of an entire species a personal matter. Through the perspective of Katie, we witness the playful otter, known as number 501, receive a remarkable second chance to thrive in the wild. As they both learn to navigate the opportunities and dangers of an unanchored life, we observe the extraordinary efforts made by people to rescue sea otters from the brink of extinction. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Monterey Bay’s coastline, the last refuge for these iconic creatures, Katie realizes the gravity of the threat they face. Their unexpected journey highlights how we can contribute to the growing movement to protect the southern sea otter—and, ultimately, ourselves.