Lincoln Park Zoo Debuts Tucker the River Otter to Celebrate Illinois Wildlife Recovery

(IN SHORT) Lincoln Park Zoo has introduced Tucker, a six-year-old North American river otter from Roosevelt Park Zoo, into its Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. Recommended by the North American River Otter Species Survival Plan®, Tucker impresses staff with his intelligence and love of puzzle feeders—especially rib bones tailored by the zoo’s Nutrition Center. As a keystone species, river otters indicate healthy aquatic ecosystems. Illinois otter populations recovered from endangered status in the 1980s to roughly 15,000 today, now found statewide and even within the Chicago River. Lincoln Park Zoo, founded in 1868, continues its mission in conservation and education as a free attraction open year-round.

(PRESS RELEASE) CHICAGO, 2025-Jun-10 — /Travel PR News/ — Lincoln Park Zoo’s Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo has welcomed its latest aquatic addition—Tucker the North American river otter—who’s already delighting visitors with his antics and agility.

Originating from Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, North Dakota, six-year-old Tucker arrived following recommendations from the North American River Otter Species Survival Plan®, a collaborative initiative under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage and safeguard otter populations.

“Since settling in, Tucker’s intelligence has shone through,” remarked Curator Dan Boehm. “He eagerly tackles puzzle feeders and displays a charming, playful side. We’ve discovered he particularly enjoys rib bones, so our Nutrition Center team customizes his meals to include this treat.”

Semiaquatic by nature, North American river otters thrive along rivers, streams, and creeks. Zoo guests observing Tucker may spot him darting through water or scampering across land. Their social habits vary—some otters lead solitary lives, while others form family units or male coalitions.

These otters serve as a keystone species: their presence and health directly reflect the quality of their habitats. A robust wild otter population signals clean waterways capable of supporting diverse life. In Illinois, river otters were once endangered by habitat loss, pollution, and overharvesting. Thanks to habitat restoration, water-quality improvements, and a concerted reintroduction program, their numbers have rebounded to an estimated 15,000 statewide, inhabiting all 102 counties. Remarkably, for the past decade they’ve even been spotted in the Chicago River—Lincoln Park Zoo’s Urban Wildlife Institute recorded the city’s first river-dwelling otter on camera just last year.

Lincoln Park Zoo, established in 1868, remains a free, not-for-profit urban wildlife haven dedicated to conservation, animal welfare, education, and scientific research. Open every day of the year, the zoo invites all to explore at lpzoo.org.

Media Contacts

Jillian Braun
Lincoln Park Zoo
312-931-5117
jbraun@lpzoo.org

Anna Cieslik
Lincoln Park Zoo
312-288-5129
acieslik@lpzoo.org

SOURCE: Lincoln Park Zoo