More space for otters

by not keeping beavers

The artificial stream in the beaver enclosure on the grounds of the visitor center in Sihlwald used to be used to encourage the beavers living there to build dams. In the second half of 2016, however, the facility was empty as the last beaver had died of meningitis at the beginning of August. The animal keepers at Zurich Wilderness Park used the empty period to set up the beaver enclosure for the otters. At the end of 2016, the two adjacent enclosures were connected via a water pipe. Since then, the four otters - one male and three females - have been enjoying themselves with great joy and perseverance in and with the rushing watercourse and can be observed regularly from both visitor platforms.

Due to the positive experience with the additional space for the otters, the management of the Zurich Wilderness Park has decided to stop keeping beavers in future. Otters naturally live solitary lives. With a second enclosure, the animals can get out of each other's way more easily in the event of disputes and can also be separated from each other for trouble-free rearing of their young. In addition, otters - in contrast to the crepuscular beavers - are active during the day and can therefore be observed more frequently by visitors.

Further information

Karin Hindenlang Clerc
Wednesday, March 8, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Managing Director, Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation
Tel. 044 722 55 22 (head office)
karin.hindenlang@wildnispark.ch