- Louie and Ophelia escaped through an enlarged hole in their enclosure during a winter storm
- Zookeepers use motion-activated cameras and a professional tracker to locate the otters
- Public urged to submit photos/videos of sightings to aid recovery efforts
- Otters display natural snow-sliding behavior captured on security footage
- Species native to Wisconsin with survival capabilities in local ecosystems
The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park faces an unusual challenge as two escaped river otters continue to evade capture near Green Bay. Louie and Ophelia, named through a public contest last year, made their break during heavy snowfall that concealed their fence modifications. Zoo officials confirm the pair have remained within a half-mile radius, drawn back by familiarity with their enclosure and abundant food sources in nearby ponds.
Wildlife experts emphasize that North American river otters possess remarkable problem-solving skills, capable of manipulating latches and exploiting structural weaknesses. This incident mirrors a 2019 case at Minnesota’s Lake Superior Zoo, where three otters escaped through a compromised drainage pipe. Modern enclosure designs now incorporate buried wire mesh and reinforced barriers, but determined animals still occasionally outsmart containment systems.
The zoo’s social media team leveraged viral otter footage to crowdsource search efforts. A 22-second clip showing Ophelia’s signature belly slide has garnered 380,000 views, with commenters praising the animals’ “playful jailbreak.” Biologists clarify this sliding behavior serves practical purposes – it conserves energy while traveling and removes excess fur parasites.
Regional wildlife agencies have joined the operation, deploying non-invasive tracking methods including thermal drones and fur snag stations. Wisconsin DNR records show over 15,000 wild otters thrive statewide, suggesting Louie and Ophelia could integrate with local populations if unrecovered. However, zoo staff remain optimistic, noting the otters’ established habit of returning to familiar feeding zones.
Public safety concerns remain low, as North American river otters typically avoid human interaction. Visitors are advised to maintain distance if spotting the pair, as captive-born animals might exhibit food-seeking behavior. The zoo plans enclosure upgrades including 24/7 motion sensors and double-layer fencing once the otters are recovered.