WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- For the first time in nearly four years, Otto the otter has a friend at Kaleideum North.

  • Mollie the other otter died
  • The museum had to wait for a furry companion for Otto
  • The museum is holding a naming contest for the new otter

The Winston-Salem museum has looked for a furry companion since their female otter, Mollie, died.

"We have actively been looking since we lost her, but it's not like we can just take them out of the wild," Alex Warthen said. They had to "come across one that was either orphaned or injured and needed some rehabilitation at some point."

Warthen is the Animal Care Specialist at Kaledieum North, so he spends a lot of time with the otters. He understands why they're a popular attraction.

"I think it's the fact that they've very playful, and they like to interact with people. They'll swim on the glass, and people will play with them and run back and forth. It's really interesting to see that and enjoyable for our guests."

The female otter is young, just a few months old. She's an orphan that was found in Whispering Pines, North Carolina in April.

She made her debut Friday, when she swam and played with Otto in front of a crowd.

"They usually will have social interactions throughout their lives. They'll usually have a mate, and so it's very important for them to build special bonds, and have that friendship and relationship with other otters," he said.

She's not named yet. The museum has a naming contest on their website.

 

 

 

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