Staff members at Nelson's Natureland Zoo are mourning the sudden death last week of Daz (19) and Chip (16), the Zoo's two elderly male Otters. Post mortem results indicate that both animals suffered heart attacks but staff members are awaiting pathology reports to provide conclusive information as to what caused those attacks.
Operations Manager, Gail Sutton, says the Otters had been unwell for the past two weeks: "Daz and Chip had spent a week in the quarantine area, off public view, whilst being treated for their health issues. Last Wednesday, they completed their treatment and were ready to return to their enclosure but, sadly, they both died that night."
The Otters were on display at Natureland as part of the managed captive breeding programme for the species. The animals were immensely popular with visitors and helped to raise awareness on the threats facing Otters in the wild.
"Daz and Chip lived together at Natureland for fifteen years and were very much been part of our day to day routine, so naturally we are all devastated by their passing. They were fantastic animals and it was a privilege to work with them" adds Gail.
Staff members will work with the species co-ordinator to source new Otters in the future.
