North Carolina Zoo Announces Death of Hannah the Otter

ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — The North Carolina Zoo announced the death of one of its two North American River Otters late last month. 

On March 28th, the North Carolina Zoo announced that ‘Hannah’, a female North American river otter, had passed away at the age of 14. North American river otters can reach 13 years of age in the wild, and up to 25 years of age in captivity, according to studies cited by the American Society of Mammalogists.

Hannah came from the Knoxville Zoo, after being orphaned in the wild. She, along with the NC Zoo’s other otter Bono, were successfully rehabilitated at two different facilities, but were both considered non-releasable. Hannah was introduced to Bono when she arrived in 2017 and the two became close. 

Otters are highly social animals that thrive in groups, relying on strong social bonds for both companionship and survival. In the wild, they often live in family groups, and in captivity, they benefit from the company of other otters, which helps keep them active and engaged.

Once at the NC Zoo, Hannah quickly became a favorite among guests and keepers due to her playful energy, acrobatic underwater displays, and infectious spirit, according to the Zoo. 

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to take care of Hannah for the 7.5 years she's lived at the North Carolina Zoo,” said Katie Hagen, Streamside Animal Management Supervisor at the North Carolina Zoo in a Facebook Post. “Her spunky, tenacious spirit has always shined brightly and has served as encouragement for me in low times. We are so glad she found a companion in Bowser, even if only for a couple of years. Hannah will be missed fiercely by her care team.”

“Hannah’s caregivers and all who met her, whether in person or through the glass, will always remember her spirited presence and playful nature,” said the Zoo in a Facebook post. “ She became a true ambassador for her species, embodying the charm and vitality of North American river otters. Hannah will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”