New Arrival: Tucker, North American River Otter

Lincoln Park Zoo is thrilled to announce a new resident making a splash just in time for the summer season. Tucker, a 6-year-old North American river otter, has arrived at Chicago’s urban oasis.

Tucker came from Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, North Dakota, as part of a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ North American River Otter Species Survival Plan®. Keepers report that he already loves his training sessions with them. He’s very intelligent and playful and enjoys the rib bone treats he receives twice a week.

North American river otters are semiaquatic animals well adapted for life in the water. They have muscular, streamlined bodies and short legs with webbed feet, along with two coats of fur—a dense underlayer covered with long, waterproof guard hairs. They can close their ears and nostrils and have a third eyelid that allows them to see underwater. These otters are able to hold their breath for up to eight minutes and travel through the water at 8 mph.

River otters are considered a keystone species, as their presence is a sign that an area has high water quality. They were once endangered in the state of Illinois but are now thriving around the state. In fact, the zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute caught some on camera in a suburb of Chicago last year!

Much of Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo is closed to allow the wild colony of black-crowned night herons to nest in peace. However, Tucker will be viewable both at the outdoor habitat and inside the Children’s Zoo building. Take note of his lovely cinnamon-colored coat when you stop by!