Oregon Zoo Provide Home for Orphaned Otter Pup

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: August 1, 2021 12:59 am

The female otter pup which has found a home at the Oregon Zoo after being orphaned

Photo Credit: Oregon Zoo

Oregon Zoo have provided a home for a 10-week-old river otter pup which was found orphaned along a roadside in Deer Island, Oregon.

Found on June 3rd 2021 along Tide Creek Road the pup was initially admitted to Portland Audubon’s wildlife center for immediate care. Despite efforts to locate her mom they were not successful and the pup was moved to Wildlife Center of the North Coast for rehabilitation.

Unfortunately it was determined by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff that the pup has become habituated to people and as such was non-releasable.

Once her health was stabilized the Oregon Zoo was contacted to determine if they had space and they were able to provide the pup a home on July 13th 2021.

“Our preference is always for rehab and release, but since that’s not possible in this case we’re happy to help give her a second chance,” said Shelly Pettit, area supervisor for the zoo’s North America section. “The other otters living here are also rescues, and we have a great track record caring for orphaned pups.”

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The female pup is estimated to be 10 weeks old.

“She’s a little bit larger than a kitten and just about as playful,” Pettit said. “She’s already a great swimmer and knows how to dry herself off. She’s quite a doll.”

Currently the pup is off-exhibit receiving care at the zoo’s Veterinary Medical Center. Once she leaves there she will join Tilly and the other river otters at the Cascade Stream and Pond area until a permanent home can be found for her. “We have plenty of room for her and are happy to have her while we can,” added Pettit.

Populations of the North American river otter were once threatened by fur trappers but have since become abundant in the Pacific Northwest. Habitat destruction and water pollution have meant they are rare in some areas.