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Blog

World Otter Day- May 31, 2023

5/30/2023

1 Comment

 
Picture

Written By: Zoe Glover

Zoo Educator 

World Otter Day, which takes place annually on the last Wednesday of May, is a day which brings about awareness to different otter species and the threats they face. There are a total of thirteen different otter species, twelve of which are in decline. Their species status is as follows:​
Endangered Sea Otters
  • Marine Otter
  • Giant Otter
  • Southern River Otter
  • Hairy Nosed Otter
Vulnerable
  • Asian Small-Clawed Otter
  • Smooth Coated Otter
Near Threatened
  • Eurasian Otter
  • African Clawless Otter
  • Spotted Necked Otter
  • Congo Clawless Otter
  • Neotropical Otter
Least Concern
  • North American River Otter (the only otter species at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo)
While twelve out of the thirteen species are in decline, all otters have strict importance to the environment, mainly because they are an indicator species. An indicator species signifies the state of the ecosystem, meaning that if these otter species are in decline, the current state of the environment is poor [1].

Threats to otters can include pollution, habitat loss, human disturbance, crossing roads, trapping, competition with fisheries, and illegal trade of fur and pelts [2].

Here at the zoo, we have North American River Otters, which may be of least concern, but face the same threats and have the same importance as their otter counterparts. You can see Tahu, who just became a mom at the end of March, and her pups next to the wetland aviary or potentially spot them on the Otter Cam.
 
[1]-https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/wildlife_practice/flagship_keystone_indicator_definition/
[2]-https://www.otter.org/Public/AboutOtters_WhyAreOttersSoImportant.aspx

Photo Credit: Photo Credit- Elaine Dyer
1 Comment
Linda Hansen link
5/31/2023 07:21:43 pm

I live in Largo, Florida. I am the author and illustrator of a children's picture book, Otto the otter, a big surprise. It meets STEM requirements and is a fun, sweet, story about a North American river otter. The book meets STEM requirements.

The Mote Laboratory is using the book as part of their Sea Me Read program. The book is at many nature. Preserves and I do presentations at schools and libraries. I do them in person when I can but I also do them by zoom and have done them from here in Florida to California.

If you go to my website, you will be able to learn about the book. And about me. I think the book would be a great asset in the gift shop of your zoo and I'm more than happy to work with you in some way.

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  • Home
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  • Guest Info
    • Accessibility
    • Calendar
    • For Kids >
      • Coloring Pages
      • Zoo Patrol
      • Zoo Tots
    • Our Animals
    • Our Plants
    • Zoo Cams >
      • Outdoor Red Panda Cam
      • Indoor Red Panda Cam
      • Outdoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Indoor Spider Monkey Cam
      • Otter Cam
    • Zoo Etiquette
    • Zoo Map
  • Membership
  • Education
    • Zoo to You!
    • Digital Programs
    • Kids & Teens
    • Field Trips
    • Cool Blue Bridgeport
    • Educational Resources
  • SUPPORT
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    • Animal Sponsorship
    • Gift Guide
    • Honor & Remember
    • Monthly Giving
    • Wish List
  • Birthdays, Private Events & Weddings
    • Birthdays
    • Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Rates and Details
  • Volunteer
    • Interns
  • Buy Tickets
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