Hills & Heights
Maymont’s remaining otter Neptune has died
The life expectancy of an otter in the wild is eight or nine years. Neptune was 19.
Nearly every parent that has raised a child in the Richmond area since 1999 has probably taken their child to Maymont. Countless parents have watched as their little mini-me has pressed their tiny runny nose up against the glass and squealed as the two otters, Neptune and Pandora showed off.
In September, 17 year old female Pandora died of natural causes. Yesterday Maymont announced that her companion Neptune has also died of natural causes after 19 years.
Neptune came to Maymont as a hand-raised two-year-old otter from Silver Springs Attractions in Silver Springs, Florida, arriving just in time for the November 1999 opening of the Robins Nature & Visitor Center. Neptune and Pandora immediately bonded, and together, they became two of the most popular, well-loved animals in Richmond, generating interest in and passion for Virginia’s native otter species.
“Neptune was adored by our staff and guests,” said Henry “Buz” Bireline, Maymont Director of Habitats and the Nature Center. “He was a relaxed, independent animal who loved enrichment, food treats, and training exercises. He was even an ‘artist in residence,’ trained by our animal keepers to paint abstract art on canvas, which kept him both mentally and physically stimulated.”
Maymont has begun the search for new North American river otters, working with the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, wildlife rescue organizations, zoos, aquariums and other similar institutions to find animals that need a home. The Nature Center continues to offer close encounters with alligators, seahorses, snakes, turtles, fish and other creatures of the James River, and guests can watch special training and enrichment activities in the galleries each week.
