Sea Otters Now Swimming in Sea Otter Coast

“Chloe and Kevin arrived from another accredited AZA facility late yesterday afternoon and did so well in their indoor space that we decided to go ahead and fast track the outdoor exploration!” stated Cincinnati Zoo curator of mammals Kim Scott. “They went right out and played in the waterfall and did flips in the deep end.  This new habitat gives visitors lots of opportunities to view the otters, both from above and below the water.”

Chloe is a retired 13-year-old feminine, who was a surrogate mother to orphaned sea otter pups that had been later re-released into the wild, and Kevin is a 1 ½-year-old male that was stranded as a pup and was deemed non-releasable by the USFWS.

“We are so honored to be working with the Sea Otter Recovery Program (SORP) to provide a forever home for Southern sea otters that can’t be returned to their native waters.” Scott stated.

Cincinnati Zoo additionally performs lively roles within the re-wilding and restoration of different North American species, together with manatees, Mexican wolves, and American burying beetles.

“We’re excited to highlight species that are found closer to home,” stated Scott. “The bear cubs in Bear Ridge, which is adjacent to Sea Otter Coast, have been extremely popular with guests and are raising awareness about how humans can coexist with these amazing creatures.”

Cincinnati Zoo companions with the Elahka Alliance, a corporation working to revive the ocean otter inhabitants in Oregon and highlights the work that they’re doing by means of actions, signage, and in-person tales at Sea Otter Coast.

What guests will see:

Above-water otter viewing – Stamped concrete leads guests to a raised planter crammed with native crops which can be necessary to regional Indigenous teams and Ohio wildlife. Signs and QR codes share extra details about the historic and ecologic position of those crops. Five key species of crops are featured to assist guests establish them within the habitat and elsewhere. Visitors will look out excessive of a saltwater pool the place they will watch otters float or frolic on the shore.

Lower otter viewing – Visitors can view the otters’ aquatic variations from under the water in a shaded space. Another small habitat with seasonally rotating animal species will probably be current as nicely.

The Zoo opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. right this moment and tomorrow.  PNC Festival of Lights begins this Thursday, November 20, with a Members Preview tomorrow evening. Memberships are on sale now!

Sea otters could also be out after darkish however will probably be arduous to see.  Come early to see otters and keep for the lights!