There's snow in the forecast at Aquarium of the Bay!
From December 16 to 28, snow will be added to the Aquarium of the Bay river otter habitat to create a special winter playland for the furry little residents. Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Bay
By Mallory Johnson
Published: December, 2015
There’s snow in the forecast at Aquarium of the Bay!
River otters love to frolic in all kinds of environments, and snow is no exception. These lively animals enjoy playing in the snow and on icy and muddy hills, where they can often be seen sliding and tobogganing, wrestling and chasing one another.
As a fun treat for Aquarium of the Bay’s three resident North American river otters, snow will be added throughout their habitat to create a special winter playland. From December 16 to 28, Shasta, Baxter and Ryer will be able to explore, play, dig and eat in this exciting addition of winter white.
Snow days are more than just a fun way to celebrate the season—they help provide crucial enrichment for Shasta, Baxter and Ryer. Throughout the year, Aquarium of the Bay’s biologists introduce various natural items—like hay, sand, dirt, and plants—to the river otter habitat to entertain the otters and keep them stimulated, both physically and mentally. For nearly two weeks, Shasta, Baxter and Ryer can romp and roll in this seasonally fitting environment as a fun treat to end the year.
No need to worry about them getting cold; river otters are well equipped to handle winter temperatures. They have two layers of fur to keep them warm—one layer of longer fur that helps repel water, and a second inner layer featuring finer and denser hair that provides insulation. In fact, river otters have over 58,000 hairs per square centimeter coating their bodies.
In addition to watching them frolic in the snow, you can help give Shasta, Baxter and Ryer another fun treat this holiday season. Throughout the month of December, Aquarium of the Bay will be raising funds to further their mission to protect, restore and inspire conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed, from the Sierra to the sea.
Each time a fundraising goal is met, Shasta, Baxter and Ryer will get a new treat—from yummy fish pops to enriching toys. Even better, Aquarium of the Bay will record these adorable otters as they receive each gift so you can watch the cuteness over and over again. To learn more about this otterly adorable fundraiser, including how you can participate, visit www.aquariumofthebay.org or follow Aquarium of the Bay on Facebook.
Mallory Johnson is the Communications Manager at Aquarium of the Bay, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting, restoring and inspiring the conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed.
Photo courtesy of Aquarium of the Bay
