North American River Otter
River otters are adapted to swim in cold water year-round. A short, dense undercoat and long, stiff guard hairs insulate the body; valve-like flaps of skin keep the ears and nose watertight; and webbed feet and a powerful tail propel otters through the water with ease. They can stay underwater for up to 8 minutes and dive to depths of 60 feet. They hunt underwater, skillfully chasing fish, their main food. Although river otters were abundant in Iowa during the time of European settlement, hunting, trapping, and habitat loss caused populations to plummet and the species to become extirpated from the state. Fortunately, improvements in water quality and trapping management, along with reintroduction efforts, have enabled the species to rebound from its low numbers in the early 19th century.
Our female otter, "Mama" is about 16 years old, and came to us when she was inadvertently trapped by a hunter and could not be rereleased into the wild. She had a litter of three female pups who now make their homes at other AZA accredited zoos throughout the country. Mama is playful, inquisitive, and full of personality. Her favorite activities are swimming in her pool, training with her keepers, and playing with her enrichment items.
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