Jim & Jean Gantz Otter Habitat Expansion

If you've visited recently, it would be hard not to notice construction on our otter habitat expansion is in full swing. Slated to open this fall, the project is tripling the current size of the otter habitat and providing otters Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher room to roam, play and enjoy more land area.

"Since opening in 2003, scientific knowledge regarding North American River Otters has improved," said Andy Allison, VP of Education & Living Collections. "Sometimes new scientific knowledge means we need to make adjustments to our facilities to maintain best practices for our animals. In this case, otters were once thought of as aquatic animals, but they should actually be thought of as land animals that enjoy the water. More space, specifically more land area, is important for these highly energetic animals. As an AZA-accredited institution, it is important that we provide a habitat for these otters that reflects their environment in the wild. While visible work may have just started this summer, our team has been working toward this behind the scenes for years. We can't wait to complete it."

The project has received strong support from members, donors and the general public through the Preserve the Wonder Capital Campaign with a lead gift received from Jim & Jean Gantz. Additional key support came from the Fritz Family Foundation, Wendy & Russell Knight, McCullough Creative/Jack & Lynn McCullough, and Ed & Sue Ritts.

"The Otter Habitat is one of many components of this campaign that we feel will greatly enhance the visitor experience, and we couldn't be more excited about that," said Jim Gantz. "The otters are one of our and our grandchildren's favorite exhibits because they are so entertaining."

The otter expansion is one of several projects taking shape within the William Woodward Mississippi River Center as part of the larger Preserve the Wonder Capital Campaign that has been updating exhibits across campus over the last several years. To date, the campaign stands at $10.4 million of a $12.75 million goal with remaining dollars supporting additional Mississippi River Center updates, infrastructure improvements, and endowment. To support these continued improvements and updates, please contact Wendy Scardino, VP of Development & Marketing, at 563-557-9545 x208 or [email protected]. Gifts can be made online here. Naming opportunities as well as bench plaques and pavers are available at various recognition levels.