This week, I went out to collect a fecal sample from the otter exhibit. I looked up and realized that a visitor and her daughter were watching me through the viewing window. They had identical expressions of "What in the world is she doing!"
Zookeepers are collecting samples from our three female otters to begin testing whether they are pregnant. Samples are collected every day in October, November, and December. The frozen samples will be shipped to CREW, the Center for Research of Endangered Wildlife, in Ohio.
North American river otters are not endangered, but scientists are studying their strange reproduction process. It is called delayed implantation, and otters usually take a whole year to give birth!
The scientists at CREW track the levels of two hormones to determine whether an otter is pregnant. They will also use this data to help other zoos with their breeding programs.
Collecting daily samples and doing paperwork is a lot of work for the zookeepers, but we are excited to support CREW's research. We are also excited to find out if our otters are pregnant!
He was found orphaned on our property.
