Zoo releases video of missing otters still at large
Louie and Ophelia, the mischievous otter duo, are still on the loose after their daring escape from the NEW Zoo in Suamico, Wisconsin. Despite the zoo’s efforts to capture them, the otters remain at large, much to the frustration of zookeepers and staff. In a recent development, the zoo released new video footage showing one of the otters displaying some interest in one of the traps that have been strategically placed to lure them back to safety.
The video captures the otter climbing on top of the cage trap but stopping short of actually entering it, once again outsmarting attempts at capture. The zoo has even added new traps that are “raccoon-proof” to combat the interference of these pesky critters, who have been triggering traps before the otters have a chance to approach them. The footage highlights the playful and curious nature of the otters, making them a challenge to capture.
Despite their elusive behavior, there have been multiple sightings of the otters in the local community, with reports streaming in along with photos and videos of the duo in action. The zoo encourages the public to report any sightings on their social media pages, emphasizing the importance of images or videos to identify the otters accurately. Given that other mammals in the area can resemble otters from a distance, it is crucial to confirm sightings with visual evidence to avoid misidentification.
Louie and Ophelia’s escape was a daring feat during a winter storm, where they managed to enlarge a small hole in a buried fence and slip away undetected by zookeepers. The otters have been seen exploring nearby bodies of water and occasionally returning to the zoo’s vicinity, indicating that they have not ventured too far from home. Their territorial instincts and familiarity with the local environment suggest that they are likely to remain in the area, utilizing the ponds and streams for food and shelter.
Search efforts have intensified, with a hired tracker, motion-activated cameras, and public calls for assistance in locating the playful otters. The hope is that repeated sightings in the same location will provide a starting point for a successful search and rescue mission. While the otters are not considered dangerous to the public, the zoo advises caution and encourages people not to approach them if spotted.
As the search continues, the local community remains on the lookout for Louie and Ophelia, eager for their safe return to the NEW Zoo. The charming antics of the otter duo have captured the hearts of many, sparking a wave of support and interest in their escapades. Hopefully, with the combined efforts of the zoo staff and the public, the mischievous otters will soon be back where they belong, delighting visitors with their playful antics once more.