I can't speak for certain but my first encounter with it in 1986 found it housing Northern River Otters. It subsequently held Asian Small-clawed Otters, West African Dwarf Crocodile, American Alligator and finally, Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman before being given over to the current Spotted-necked Otters.
I was surprised to learn a few months ago from our staff how rare spot neck otters are in captivity. If I remember correctly (and if they were correct), there were only six zoos in the US (or maybe in the world) that have them? We (Tucson) are down to one lone female and it seems a new companion is unobtainable. A couple years ago we sent one up the road here to Phoenix.
Only two zoos in Europe have them, Bioparc Valencia, which bred them for the first time in Europe. They sent two of their offspring to Belfast though (two male animals).
I can't speak for certain but my first encounter with it in 1986 found it housing Northern River Otters. It subsequently held Asian Small-clawed Otters, West African Dwarf Crocodile, American Alligator and finally, Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman before being given over to the current Spotted-necked Otters.
I find it quite interesting that there have been 3 species of otter and 3 species of crocodilian in this single exhibit over the span of 25+ years. At some zoos there are old grottoes that have held numerous inhabitants for decades (usually a revolving parade of carnivores) but I wonder what other exhibit out there has had 6 or more species in total. I'm sure that San Diego Zoo would be able to provide some examples of enclosures that have seen a generous rotation policy through the decades.
