Spotlight on Species: Otters

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Houston Zoo

Spotlight on Species: Otters

Saturday, Jul. 16, 2016

10:00 AM – 03:00 PM
US/Central

Join the Zoo for a special day featuring this water-loving small mammal!

Otters live nearby in Texas rivers as well as marshes around the world, from icy arctic lakes to tropical wetlands. These intelligent creatures are primitive tool users, known to crack open a tasty shellfish by balancing it on their bellies and tapping it with a rock. The sad news is, otters in many areas are in decline due to habitat loss and water pollution.

Come out and find out more cool facts about otters, and what you can do to help them in the wild. Meet otter keepers and see two species of resident otters, Asian small-clawed otters and North American river otters.

About the Programs & Activities

Activity/educational tables will run from 10 am - 3 pm near the otter exhibits

Otter SOS Keeper Talk Schedule:
10:30 until it melts - snow in the North American river otter habitat! (Children’s Zoo)
11:30 Asian small-clawed otter Enrichment/Keeper Talk (Natural Encounters)
1:00 Asian small-clawed otter Keeper talk (Natural Encounters)
1:30 Asian small-clawed otter Training (Natural Encounters)
2:30 North American river otter Training (Children’s Zoo)

HOURS & ADMISSION

Open 7 days a week, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (last admission 4:00 pm)
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, All hours subject to change; see website for more details -
www.houstonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/hours/ www.houstonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/prices-and-discounts/
This event is free with your paid Zoo admission, and is free for Zoo members!

Directions & Parking

Free Parking
Paid Parking

The Houston Zoo does not have its own parking lot; free parking is available in Hermann Park. Please note, parking is limited so consider arriving early or using public transportation. See parking options in Hermann Park.

Special Offers / Dining

Make sure to stop by Cypress Circle Café! This Green Restaurant Certified conscientious café focuses on providing locally sourced, sustainable fares that are delicious and wholesome for the entire family. You can skip the line and place your order online here.

Wherever you are in the Houston Zoo, you’re never far away from a snack. Cafes, carts and kiosks are located throughout the Zoo and feature items such as burgers, salads, hot dogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, fresh fruit, beverages and more.

Food Trucks

Themed food trucks with a variety of savory and sweet options. Visit the Masakan truck located near our jaguar habitat for Asian inspired cuisine, and our BBQ Americana trailer for smoked meats and classic sides.

Twiga Café

Visit Twiga’s spacious, cool dining room to snack on everything from hamburgers to salads to chicken tenders. Pizza, a variety of other kids’ options, and snacks like fresh fruit, cookies, trail mix, and more are also available. Sit outside and watch the giraffes or rhinos while you eat!

Albert & Ethel Herzstein Trading Post

Feeling the need for a sweet treat? Here’s your place. Located at the entrance of African Forest, the Trading Post offers Dole Whips as well as a variety of other snacks and treats, including cookies, large pretzels, and popcorn. You’ll also find beverages like soda, juice and Saint Arnold beer.