Meet Linus, the newest member of the Museum’s family

The Museum has a new animal ambassador and he’s a big hit with visitors.

Linus is an adult male North American river otter. He recently joined Lucy, the popular and acrobatic female river otter, on exhibit in the outdoor Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden.  

The animals were introduced slowly over several months and have now successfully bonded. The furry companions frolic, chase each other, swim together and nuzzle.

Linus escaped being sold into the fur trade when he was acquired by the Museum this past spring. Approximately 8 to 10 years old, he came from Louisiana, where otters are legally trapped and sold for their pelts.

Wildlife Resources staff held a contest to name the new otter. Museum guests and Web site visitors were encouraged to cast votes online to select a name. More than 400 people voted, choosing “Linus” by an overwhelming margin over the other options: Harry P. Otter, Oliver Twist and Cayenne.

Following extensive enrichment and socialization training with wildlife staff, Linus has successfully adjusted to his new home. The otter habitat features a 6-foot-deep pool complete with waterfall, stream slide, large plate glass window where visitors can view the animals as they perform underwater antics.

Lucy was born in captivity and hand raised at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Pennsylvania.  She came to the Museum in 2003, and is now 11 years old. Lucy’s former companion, Travis, died two years ago from heart disease. Because otters are social creatures, staff set out to find her a new friend.

The Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden is a 2.2-acre outdoor gallery featuring native Ohio animals on exhibit in enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats. With heated, paved pathways, the center is open year round.

The Museum gratefully thanks the Weller family for its generous support. Because of their contribution, visitors will be able to enjoy Linus on exhibit for years to come.