The Denver Zoo offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors to observe and learn about the fascinating Asian small-clawed otters. These playful and agile creatures are a highlight of the zoo’s Northern Shores exhibit, where visitors can witness their natural behaviors and adaptations up close.
Habitat and Range of Asian Small-Clawed Otters
The Asian small-clawed otters at the Denver Zoo are part of the Northern Shores exhibit, which also features other aquatic animals such as polar bears, seals, and sea lions. This exhibit is designed to replicate the natural habitat of these otters, providing them with a large pool and a complex environment that caters to their needs.
Asian small-clawed otters are native to parts of Southeast Asia, including India, China, and several Southeast Asian countries. They are the smallest of the world’s otter species, weighing between 3 to 11 pounds and measuring around 20 to 30 inches in length. These otters are known for their dexterous paws, which they use to manipulate their prey and perform various tasks.
Foraging for Prey
At the Denver Zoo, the Asian small-clawed otters are provided with a diverse range of food sources, including fish and other aquatic animals. These otters are known to be skilled hunters and foragers, using their sensitive whiskers and nimble paws to locate and capture their prey in the wild.
In the zoo’s exhibit, visitors can observe the otters as they search for and consume their meals, providing a glimpse into their natural feeding behaviors. The zoo’s animal care team works diligently to ensure that the otters receive a balanced and nutritious diet that caters to their specific needs.
Adaptations for Aquatic Life
The Asian small-clawed otters at the Denver Zoo have several adaptations that enable them to thrive in aquatic environments. These include:
- Webbed Feet: The otters’ webbed feet act as natural paddles, allowing them to swim efficiently and maneuver with ease in the water.
- Waterproof Fur: The otters’ fur is specially adapted to be waterproof, helping to keep them warm and dry while swimming.
- Strong Tail: The otters’ muscular tails serve as a powerful propulsion system, enabling them to swim swiftly and change direction with agility.
These adaptations, combined with the otters’ natural curiosity and playful nature, make them a captivating sight for visitors to the Denver Zoo.
Cost and Timings
The Denver Zoo does not offer a specific otter encounter experience. However, the zoo does provide various behind-the-scenes experiences, including the Backstage Experience Junior Encounter. This 30-minute tour allows visitors to interact with a variety of animals, including the Asian small-clawed otters, and learn about their care and conservation.
The Backstage Experience Junior Encounter costs $50 per guest and is available for children under 16, who must be accompanied by a paid participant who is 16 years of age or older. Visitors should note that there is a rescheduling fee of $15 per ticket and a cancellation fee of 50% of the total program cost for cancellations between 5 and 14 business days before the encounter.
Other Details
In addition to the Backstage Experience Junior Encounter, the Denver Zoo offers a range of other up-close experiences and tours, including the following:
- Backstage Experience: A 60-minute tour that provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s animal care and conservation efforts.
- Keeper Chats: Scheduled presentations by the zoo’s animal care team, offering insights into the lives and behaviors of the animals.
- Giraffe Feeding Experience: An opportunity to feed the zoo’s giraffe herd and learn about their unique adaptations.
Visitors interested in these experiences can find more information and register on the Denver Zoo’s website.
Reference:
- https://denverzoo.org/backstage-experience-junior-encounter/
- https://www.zoochat.com/community/threads/denver-zoo-trip-review-8-13-22.488383/
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-looks/
- https://denverzoo.org/attractions/
- https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/custom-animal-experiences/meet-feed-an-animal/river-otter-encounter/