Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Mourn Passing of Otter, Sedge

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo have announced the unexpected passing of their male North American river otter, Sedge. Aged four years old Sedge had been undergoing treatment for an infection in recent weeks.

The Pathology Lab at the University of Connecticut have been tasked with carrying out a necropsy (animal autopsy) to help identify factors which may have contributed to the death. Results of this necropsy may take several days or several weeks.

Sedge has lived at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo since 2021 when he moved from the Alexandria Zoological Gardens in Louisiana. He was a companion for Tahu who remains in good health.

“Sedge will be deeply missed by all of us here at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “He had a unique personality and related well both to his companion, Tahu, and to his animal care staff. It has been our privilege to have known him for two years.”

He added, “Our river otters have always been some of the most popular animals who make their home here at the Zoo, for their playful nature and intelligence as well as their role as an iconic North American animal. It’s a sad day for the Zoo.”

North American river otters have suffered through habitat loss, water pollution and fur trapping. Owing to better water quality and protection of their habitat numbers of this species are now beginning to rise.