Buffalo Zoo welcomes Cedrick, a new North American river otter

Buffalo Zoo Press Release & Photos

The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of Cedrick, a male North American river otter who joins us through a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Cedrick, born on Feb. 7, 2022, at the Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin, is just over 3 years old. He has come to Buffalo to be paired with our two resident female otters, Mindy, 5, and Poppy, 4, as part of a collaborative effort to support the long-term health of the species.

Cedrick is currently acclimating to his new surroundings in the Buffalo Zoo’s Otter Creek habitat, and has been settling in beautifully. Guests may already spot him swimming, sliding, and playfully exploring the exhibit. Keepers describe him as laid back and confident. He also has already shown signs of curiosity toward Mindy and Poppy, though the trio has not yet been formally introduced.

Over the coming weeks, Cedrick will continue to rotate on exhibit with Mindy and Poppy as he becomes more comfortable in his new environment. Gradual introductions will follow, with the goal of a successful future breeding partnership.

The North American river otter is no longer considered a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), thanks in part to decades of conservation progress.

While currently listed as a species of least concern, efforts like the SSP continue to play a vital role in maintaining healthy, genetically diverse populations in human care. The species faced significant decline in the early 20th century due to fur trapping and habitat loss, but conservation programs, improved water quality regulations, and reintroduction initiatives have helped otter populations rebound across much of their native range.

Organizations like the Buffalo Zoo remain committed to these strategies to ensure the species’ long-term stability.

In the wild, North American river otters can be found across the eastern and northwestern U.S. – including here in Western New York – as well as throughout large parts of Canada. These charismatic animals are known for their playful behavior, impressive swimming abilities, and dense, water-repellent fur that helps keep them warm and dry.

Be sure to stop by Otter Creek and give Cedrick a warm Buffalo welcome during your next visit to the Zoo!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.buffalozoo.org.

Cedrick (Photo courtesy of and property of The Buffalo Zoo)

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Founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is a 501(c)(3) organization and is the third-oldest zoo in the U.S. Each year, the Buffalo Zoo welcomes nearly 400,000 visitors annually and is among the most visited tourist attractions in Western New York. Located on 23.5 acres of Frederick Law Olmsted’s Delaware Park, the venue provides interactive and educational family experiences throughout the year. With a diverse collection of over 800 wild and exotic animals and more than 320 different species of plants, visitors are introduced to and inspired by nature each time they visit.