Olive, a female North American river otter that can’t be released back into the wild due to health issues, has found a new home at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.
Before coming to the aquarium, Olive was being cared for by a wildlife rehabilitator in Scotland County following an injury. Her caretakers are monitoring her carefully behind the scenes to determine whether or not she can be introduced to the aquarium’s otter habitat in the Wild Wetlands Gallery.
Sponsor Spotlight
“We would love for our guests to get to know Olive, but we have her health and best interest at heart,” said aquarist Kristine Davis. “Since she is an older animal with an injury in her past, we are watching her closely and providing the care she needs. Her comfort and well-being are our priority.”
Olive’s arrival came after careful review by a team of experts including the Roanoke Island husbandry staff, the aquarium’s veterinary team and the North American river otter Species Survival Program.
If it is determined that Olive won’t be in the public gallery, she will continue to receive care during her continued life at the aquarium.
“We care for many animals behind the scenes and their health and well-being is as important to us as any other animal here,” Davis said.
Wild Wetlands is home to two male otters, Banks and Finn and of the otter Molly, who passed away in July 2019, following decline in her health and the determination by husbandry and veterinary staff that euthanization was the most humane decision for her.
Sponsor Spotlight
The aquarium plans to share updates, photos and videos of Olive as she progresses. Follow the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest on all the animals and programs at the aquarium.
The aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pre-reserved tickets and cloth face coverings are required. Information is available at ncaquariums.com/roanoke-island.
