Description
We have otter-ly exciting news to share to kick off the summer season ☀️ The three otter pups in our care have names and they are out exploring their habitat daily.
Now several months old, the curious trio continues to grow under Maybelle's watchful care while developing the essential life skills that define the species. River otter pups remain with their mother for approximately seven to eight months, learning to swim, dive, hunt and navigate aquatic environments before becoming independent. These early lessons are critical to their development, with mothers introducing pups to water gradually and teaching them how to thrive in Canada's rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Native to waterways across much of North America, North American river otters are among Canada's most charismatic aquatic mammals and serve as important indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems. Their presence often signals clean water, abundant fish populations and thriving biodiversity. As highly skilled swimmers, river otters can remain underwater for up to eight minutes, using powerful tails, streamlined bodies and webbed feet to move effortlessly through rivers and wetlands. They are also known for their intelligence, curiosity and playful behaviour, which helps young otters develop critical survival skills.
What inspired the names?
We are deeply honoured to name the pups in memory of Mavis Berwick, her family, and their lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation. The Berwick Family of King City shares an inspiring and long-standing history of generosity with the Toronto Zoo, having supported critical projects such as the Amur Tiger Habitat redevelopment project and the new Red Panda Habitat through the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy.
The Berwick Family are now being recognized for a transformational gift to the Zoo’s new Community Conservation Centre. This incredible act of kindness will ensure an enriching environment for our river otter family and that every single guest will experience an immediate connection with nature the moment they step through our doors.
Through this gift, and the powerful legacy left behind by the Berwick Family, King City, we continue to safeguard wildlife, preserve wild spaces, and inspire Guardians of Wild.
A new home for the river otters
Your Toronto Zoo is building a new Community Conservation Centre – a state-of-the-art facility and visually stunning statement of our commitment to conservation science. This new space located at the main entrance will feature an engaging river otter habitat – bringing you even closer to these amazing Canadian species!
To learn more or to support this exciting project through our fundraising partners at the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, visit wildlifeconservancy.ca.
Continue to follow us for updates about how these little ones are doing in the coming weeks!