Otter Fun!
Meet Thomas, our playful animal ambassador on his quest for a daily dose of fun. The Autzen Otter Exhibit is located outdoors to the west of the main trail. The exhibit includes both outdoor and indoor viewing areas and even the chance to watch Thomas play underwater.
Northern River Otter
Natural History:
Northern river otters are found throughout the High
Desert region where there is a permanent food supply and easy
access to water. They can tolerate a variety of environments,
including cold and warmer latitudes and high elevations but are
sensitive to pollution and disappear from areas with polluted
waters. They build dens in the burrows of other mammals, in
natural hollows such as under a log or in river banks. They are
known as playful animals, exhibiting behaviors such as mud
sliding, burrowing through the snow, and waterplay. Many "play"
activities actually serve a purpose. Some are used to
strengthen social bonds, to practice hunting techniques, and to
scent-mark. Northern river otters get their boundless energy
from their very high metabolism, which also requires them to
eat many fish, crayfish, amphibians, and even turtles.
Personal History:
Thomas is a male otter who was born in captivity in
1997 on an otter farm in Louisiana and is on loan to the museum
from his owner. The normal lifespan for an otter is 10-12
years in the wild with some living up to 20+ years in
captivity.
