MIAMI – Zoo Miami has announced the passing of Kara, its “Grand Dame” of giant river otters, who they said was euthanized on Jan.14 after suffering from multiple geriatric health issues.
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At nearly 20 years old, Kara was the oldest giant river otter in the United States, far exceeding the species’ typical lifespan of 8-13 years in the wild and up to 17 years in human care, Ron Magill, the zoo’s communications director confirmed in a news release on Tuesday.
Kara, born in 2005 at the Philadelphia Zoo, joined Zoo Miami in 2008 and left a lasting legacy as a devoted mother, giving birth to 27 pups during her time there, the zoo stated.
Her offspring are now contributing to conservation efforts at zoos across the country.
Giant river otters, native to South America’s freshwater habitats, are endangered due to habitat destruction and hunting, according to Magill.
Often called “river wolves,” Magill said they can reach up to six feet in length and weigh about 75 pounds.
Zoo Miami supports conservation initiatives like Brazil’s Proyecto Ariranhas to protect the species and its ecosystem.
Kara’s contributions to her species’ survival and her remarkable life will not be forgotten, zoo officials said.