Red River Zoo Building Otter Exhibit

by Brandon Goldner, Reporter
June 28, 2012

The Red River Zoo will begin building a new home for two North American river otters.

Construction will begin next month with the hopes that it will become a signature attraction.

"They were found by a local individual that was going for a walk along the Sheyenne River," Zoo Executive Director Lisa Tate said.

Finding them sped up plans that were already underway to build a permanent exhibit.

"They'll also be able to come into what will look like an otter's den where they can view the otters from inside and they can view them underwater as well as above–ground," Tate said.

The exhibit already received a $400,000 donation from local businessman Bob Wilm.

The zoo still needs at least $200,000.

 

One of the fundraising ideas is to pay $15,000 to name the male otter.

The Zoo is also offering to name areas of the exhibit after donors.

Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker says new exhibits are important to maintaining the zoo's appeal.

"This is one of our assets," Mayer Walaker said. "This whole place spreads out as someplace where people can go and a zoo appeals to everyone."

Construction on the exhibit is expected to be completed next spring.