SALISBURY, Md. - The Salisbury Zoo has announced the death of Peanut, a female North American river otter in their care.
According to the zoo, Peanut was 17, which is considered geriatric for the species, and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure earlier this year. That is why, after months of close monitoring in care and a sharp decline in health, the zoo says they made the decision to euthanize her.
The zoo says that Peanut arrived from New Orleans with her sister Pecan in 2006, after they were orphaned by Hurricane Katrina. Pecan was transferred from the zoo in 2011, they say, welcoming Shiloh, a male otter that Peanut spent the majority of her life with.
Shiloh passed way in January 2022 at the age of 18, says the zoo. They say the average lifespan of the North American River Otter average 8-9 years old in the wild, but can reach 20s while in captivity.
The Zoo says Peanut's Congestive Heart Failure was diagnosed in March 2023 by diagnostic imaging. Since then, Zoo staff have been coming in early and staying late to closely monitor and give medication to Peanut. Peanut was taught voluntary husbandry behaviors, which they say led to less stressful veterinary observations and procedures.
The Zoo says their top priority is their animals' wellbeing. They say proactive routing assessments are normal, with extra assessments done after a major life change. More frequent assessments will take place in the event that animal wellbeing rapidly declines.
According to the Zoo, they are developing a master plan that will include a new North American river otter exhibit.