“Lucius has been very vocal, playful and mischievous while exploring his new home, which is typical of a young otter,” said Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare Scott Carter.

The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is an aquatic mammal native to Michigan.  A mature river otter can reach 20-30 pounds, and its slender, cylindrical body can reach 2-3 feet in length.  River otters have short, dense, waterproof fur and profuse whiskers.  Flaps in their nostrils and ears shut to keep water out, and excellent underwater vision helps them catch prey.  

Lucius can be seen – and heard – at the Edward Mardigian Sr. River Otter Habitat across from Amphibiville.  For a preview of his antics, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC9GVvP9MoE.

The Detroit Zoo is also home to 8-year-old female North American river otter Stormy and recently received a 6-year-old female named Whisker.  Whisker is currently in quarantine for the requisite 30 days to ensure she is healthy and acclimating well before joining the others.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October (open at 9 a.m. May 1 through Labor Day) – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11 for adults 15 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 14; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  Admission is free.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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