A male otter named Spencer is Miller Park Zoo’s latest inhabitant, and he plans to start a family soon.
City of Bloomington spokeswoman Nora Dukowitz said the zoo has given a breeding recommendation to Spencer and Tallulah, the mother of the otter pups who are living at the zoo now.
“It is exciting to watch the otters get to know each other,” said Jay Tetzloff, Miller Park Zoo superintendent. “We look forward to Spencer continuing our successful breeding program and helping to maintain a healthy otter population.”
The otter pups will likely be leaving the zoo this winter, Dukowitz said.
She added North American River Otters rarely reproduce in zoos and aquariums. There have only been four litters across 110 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums this year.
Miller Park Zoo has had otter pups four out of the last five years.
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