Runaway Otter Ophelia Returned To Wisconsin Zoo Weeks After Escape, Louie Still On The Loose

After weeks on the run, one of the two North American river otters that escaped a Wisconsin zoo during a winter storm has been safely captured and returned to her habitat.

NEW Zoo and Adventure Park in Green Bay said Ophelia was safely captured Friday evening with the help of Suamico Trap, LLC. A full veterinary exam on Monday revealed she is in perfect health.

Ophelia and her male companion Louie enlarged a breach in buried fencing in the early morning hours of March 20, and made their escape during a winter storm that dropped heavy snow on the area. Surveillance video released by the zoo shows one of the fugitive otters scampering away through deep snow.

Over the following weeks, professional trackers worked on setting traps and community members submitted photos and videos of sightings throughout the area in an effort to rescue the wayward animals.

Zookeepers said Louie and Ophelia were both born in the wild but were rescued and remain in human care after their rehabilitation. They were likely to remain near the zoo, officials said, due to both familiarity and favorable habitat in the area.

“North American river otters are native to our area and are very comfortable and capable of surviving in Wisconsins climate,” the zoo said. “The Zoo is surrounded by natural ponds and other waterways which provide ample food and safe places to sleep even at this time of year.”

Ophelia was returned to her regular otter habitat on Monday but may not always be visible to guests, the zoo said.

“Ophelia has always been a bit shy and enjoys tucking into things to take naps throughout the day,” the zoo said.

The search continues for Louie, but he may be a bit farther away than Ophelia was.

“This is otter breeding season and we expect that, as a male otter, Louie is likely ranging a bit further from home than Ophelia did, but it’s still likely that he’s not all that far away,” the zoo said.

The zoo is encouraging community members to continue sending in photos and videos of sightings.