John Ball Zoo will soon introduce a brand-new sustainable otter habitat which will greet guests at the entrance of the Zoo.
A dynamic new habitat which will be home to five North American River Otters is scheduled to be finished next year, which will replace its current 43-year-old otter habitat. The new habitat will feature an underwater viewing area and other elements that will make the habitat more enjoyable for both the otters and guests who come to visit them.
In a news release, Jaime Racalla, John Ball Zoo's animal care supervisor, said, "We are excited to show guests our new otter habitat in 2026, which will give our North American River Otters more space to follow their natural instincts in unique ways. This new habitat will educate guests on the importance of clean water and the work we’re doing to save the species of wildlife that call our local waterways home.”
The habitat is also being built in accordance with Zero Carbon Certification Standards, aiming to reduce and offset the Zoo's overall carbon footprint.
It's all a part of the Zoo's 10-year Master Plan, which aims to expand and improve the Zoo immensely in order to further conservation work and expand education programming and economic impact.