Running on Otter Time
They are otterly adorable. The two North American river otters, 14-year-old Chumley (aka Squeak) and year-old Chessie-Grace (aka Bubbles), love to romp and play throughout their habitat at the Calvert Marine Museum. Now you can see what’s going on behind the scenes in their indoor habitat when you can’t see these furry mammals in-person.
A newly installed otter cam lets you experience remotely what’s up with these museum favorites seven days a week. Log in to get a peak: http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/375/River-Otter-Live-Cam.
“Visiting in-person is always best, as the new lodging area includes a feeding panel that allows guests to get face-to-face with the otters while they dine,” says Dave Moyer, curator of Estuarine Biology. “When you need to get your otter fix, remember a great time to view the cam is during feeding times.”
The indoor holding area where the otters reside has been updated with new nesting dens, play yards, an infinity pool and LED lighting.
Plus a newly rescued otter from Louisiana has joined the exhibit.
“He was extricated from an aquaculture pond,” Moyer explains. “On a fish farm, it is bad for business to have otters eating all your profits.”
After acclimating and getting a clean bill of health from the museum veterinarian, What’s His Name may join Chumley and Chessie-Grace.
“It will depend on the animals as to whether he stays separated,” Moyer says. “Personalities and social dynamics play huge roles.”
Chumley, also rescued as a pup, came to the museum via Clearwater Aquarium in Florida. Chessie-Grace was hand-raised and bottle-fed after her mother failed to care for her pups.
Guess the newcomer’s name and win a one-hour behind-the-scenes tour with the otters and animal care staff.
Otter Name Game clues appear each Wednesday at noon on the Otter Cam website and the museum’s Facebook page.