News

Actions

Virginia Aquarium Otter Dies of Old Age

Posted at 8:55 AM, Dec 30, 2011
and last updated 2011-12-30 08:55:25-05

(Virginia Beach, VA) – “Cash,” an 18-year-old North American River Otter at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, was humanely euthanized Thursday, December 29, 2011, after a year of declining health due to his age.

Cash had been fairly comfortable until the last week, when he became lethargic and refused food.

Cash was one of the two original otters when the Marsh Pavilion exhibit opened in 1996. His exhibit buddy, “Tango”, passed away six years ago. River otters live 8 -13 years in the wild, and into their 20s in captivity.

“He will be missed greatly, especially by Aquarium staff and guests,” said Marketing Director Linda Candler.

“But we take comfort in knowing what a wonderful ambassador he was for his species and the Aquarium.”

The Aquarium has four other otters: Pungo, Willoughby, Tippy and Homer.

The otter habitat is in the Aquarium’s Marsh Pavilion.