Columbus Zoo Temporarily Closes Otter Exhibit after Brothers Damage Pool Sealant
POWELL, Ohio - The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium has temporarily closed its newly renovated North America Trek otter exhibit after the exhibit’s three young male otters damaged the pool’s caulking, requiring repairs. The closure begins Oct. 13, and the repair process is expected to take approximately one month.
The otters, who arrived at the Columbus Zoo in May from the Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut, began investigating the sealant used to waterproof the 8-foot pool, ultimately causing enough damage to necessitate a full replacement. Zoo officials confirmed that none of the otters ingested any of the sealant material.
“They’re three adolescent males,” said Nikki Smith, a curator for the North America Trek region. “They’re not trying to wreak havoc. They are just naturally curious animals. We anticipated them doing something we just weren’t sure what. This has never happened to us with otters before.”
During the repairs, the otters will be relocated to their previous habitat near the cougar exhibit. the process will involve draining the pool, allowing it to dry completely, installing new caulking, and applying a protective material designed to withstand underwater exposure and prevent future damage.
The $40 million North America Trek exhibit opened on June 20 after years of advancement beginning in 2021, spanning approximately eight acres. It represents the first phase of a larger renovation project, with a second phase planned to add another six acres, though a timeline for that expansion has not yet been announced.
“Yes,this is not a great outcome,but it helps us get better in our design,” said zoo official Menke.