Ground was broken last year on the new river otter habitat housing up to five of the aquatic mammals. The habitat features an underwater viewing area and other unique interactive elements.
John Ball Zoo COO Andy McIntyre explains the important role the otters play in the zoo’s conservation efforts.
“They’re a very engaging species that we can begin to connect people with to tell that story more of water and the importance of water and clean water habitats and other species that also live with them in those rivers.”
The zoo is replacing its 43-year-old otter dwelling. The new environment triples its size to 3,200 square feet and holds 21,000 gallons of water, 13,000 more gallons than the former tank.
“There’s a big underwater viewing space where the glass will curve over you so you can see those otters sort of swimming above your head.”
And throughout the day, four water cannons will release fish simulating otters feeding patterns.
“I wouldn’t picture the tee shirt cannon at your local sporting event. There are fish cannons to deliver food into those spaces at different times of day and they will pop out into those spots and then that way the animals can randomly find them throughout the day.”
The habitat is part of the zoo’s 10-year master plan and is made possible by a lead gift from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation.
