Two river otters, named Louie and Ophelia, managed to escape from their enclosure at a Wisconsin zoo during a recent winter storm. The adventurous pair was spotted on security cameras having fun in the snow, which prompted a search for the playful animals.
According to the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, the otters escaped through a small hole they made larger in a buried fence. Zookeepers quickly noticed their absence during their morning rounds. Fortunately, it seems that Louie and Ophelia didn’t wander too far. Their tracks indicated they were exploring nearby water bodies while returning now and then to the zoo’s perimeter.
The zoo shared amusing footage of one otter sliding belly-first through the snow, showcasing the unique and playful behavior typical of otters. They described the adorable sight as the “bounce, bounce, sliiiiide,” a sure sign of the otters’ playful nature.
Experts believe that Louie and Ophelia will likely remain close to the zoo, as otters tend to be territorial. Being native to the region, they can thrive with access to local ponds and streams that provide food and shelter.
To aid in the search, the zoo has employed a tracker, set up motion-activated cameras, and reached out to the public for help in spotting the otters. Encouraging reports have come in, including videos and photos showing the duo gliding over the snow.
Search teams hope to see Louie and Ophelia in the same spot multiple times to better direct their search efforts. The zoo reassured the public that the otters pose no danger and are unlikely to approach humans.
