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Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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Experience • Rescued Animals

Otters

Updated February 21, 2022 Posted April 8, 2020

Visit Otter Oasis to learn about the North American River Otter and visit with our resident otters, Walle & Boomer!

Where to See

  • Otter Oasis

Resident Otters

Walle

North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
Otter Oasis
Walle the Otter Under Water
Age
10
Sex
Male
Arrival Date
11/19/2012
Diet
Mullet, Lake smelt, feline diet, silversides, trout

Walle was rescued from the wild as a very young otter. His rescuer raised him on his boat and thought he was doing the right thing by keeping him as a pet. As Walle continued to grow and develop, his caretaker recognized that caring for a juvenile otter was much more intense than a regular household pet and assumed that if Walle were placed back into the wild, he would resume life as a normal otter. Much to his caretaker’s dismay, Walle returned to the boat. What his caretaker did not know was that North American river otters must learn survival skills from their mothers and family group. Walle’s caretaker realized that Walle would continue to return, so he was transported to a wildlife rehabilitator in Gainesville, FL. Shortly after that, Clearwater Marine Aquarium received a call from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission asking if Walle would be able to reside at the aquarium under the care of our animal care staff.

Prior to coming to CMA, Walle was transported to Homosassa State Park and was put under quarantine to be sure he was not harboring any diseases or parasites. During this period, staff members were sent to the park to familiarize themselves and begin building a relationship with Walle.

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Boomer

North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis)
Otter Oasis
Boomer, a river otter
Age
4
Sex
Male
Arrival Date
10/15/2018
Diet
Mullet, Lake smelt, feline diet, silversides, trout

Boomer, a North American river otter, was born in January 2018 and was transferred to CMA on October 15, 2018, from another animal care facility.  Boomer came to CMA to be a social partner for Walle, a rescued and non-releasable otter, who was residing by himself at that time. As with Winter and Hope, Walle and Boomer became fast friends and continue to have a fun relationship.

View Webcam

Otter Videos

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Otter Species

North American River Otters

Lontra canadensis
Boomer the River Otter
Status
Least Concern
Average Size
18 lbs
Threats
Trapping, poaching, habitat loss, pollution
Location
Throughout North America

Did You Know…

River otters can hold their breath for up to 8 minutes underwater.
Baby river otters are called otter kits.
River otters can dive to depths of up to 60 feet!
Otters wash themselves after every meal.

Walle & Boomer’s Buddies

  • Nicholas the Dolphin Smiling
    Nicholas
  • CMA Pelican
    Pelicans

Otter this World

Two Otters in the Otter Oasis

Otter Oasis

Learn More
Animal Specialist Teaching Kids about Turtles Behind the Scenes Tour

Behind the Scenes Tour

Learn MoreBook Now
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions • Accessibility

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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