While most people try to hide from the cold and snow during a storm, this otter duo had a different idea. Louie and Ophelia, two North American river otters kept at the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park in Suamico, Wisconsin, somehow managed to escape from their enclosure on March 20, 2025. Apparently, they dug a hole under a buried fence while no one was watching. Thankfully, a zookeeper quickly noticed their disappearance and began searching.
A nearby security camera captured the otter duo’s nighttime escapade, showing them leaving deep tracks in the snow as they enjoyed their late-night adventure. The pair wandered through the Reforestation Camp property, repeatedly circling back to the zoo’s perimeter fence. Despite their desire to escape, the Wisconsin troublemakers never strayed too far from their enclosure. “This behavior is very typical for otters, as they are territorial and prefer to stay close to what’s comfortable and known to them,” NEW Zoo & Adventure Park wrote on Facebook.
Winter Escapade
The zoo explained that the two otters were born in the wild but were later brought into human care through rehabilitation. North American river otters are native to Wisconsin and can easily survive the cold winter temperatures. The zoo also noted that the area has many natural ponds and other waterways that provide ample food and safe places to sleep, ensuring the otters’ survival.
Although NEW Zoo & Adventure Park knew the otters could survive in the wild, they still intend to track down and retrieve the troublemakers. The zoo is currently working with professional trackers and using motion-activated cameras and other devices to monitor the area for signs of the animals’ activity.
While Louie and Ophelia are unlikely to approach humans, the zoo has asked civilians to take note or photograph any otters they come across. “Anyone nearby who sees an otter is encouraged to take photos or video and DM them to our Facebook page with the date and time and address of the sighting,” NEW Zoo & Adventure Park wrote.
Many who heard the news found the otters’ antics amusing. “They really said, ‘We OTTER here,'” one Facebook user joked. Others saw the otters’ escape as a natural decision and had no concerns about them staying in the wild. “Happy to see them living their best life rather than being kept in a cage for entertainment! Wish I could say the same for other animals at the zoo who are not accustomed to surviving Wisconsin winters,” another user remarked.
