Splish, Riverview Park & Zoo's North American River Otter Passes Away at 19 Years Old

Splish, a North American river otter from Riverview Park and Zoo has passed away at 19 years of age, announced on Friday morning.

The life expectancy of a North American river otter is typically around 12 years in the wild and about 20 years in captivity.  Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Splish passed away from natural, age-related causes. An autopsy showed the cause of death to be heart-related. 

He arrived at the Riverview Park and Zoo in 2007 and spent many years interacting with visitors and staff.

The otter was known for his curious and energetic nature. Visitors watched him swim, engage in enrichment activities, and participate in daily feedings. 

Splish shared the habitat with two other North American river otters, Meadow and Violet, who remain on exhibit at the zoo. 

North American river otters are known for their intelligence, agility, and playful behaviour, often spending much of their time swimming and exploring their surroundings.

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