If you’ve visited CuriOdyssey lately, you may have noticed a couple of familiar habitats looking a little different. Don’t worry, nothing’s wrong. In fact, these changes are all about doing right by our animals, both the ones we’re planning for and the ones already in our care.

Why Our River Otter Habitat Is Waiting for New Neighbors

Our North American river otter habitat has been quiet after Gunner’s passing, and we want to explain why.

Under updated guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), any habitat built for a new river otter must now provide a minimum of 1,666 square feet of space. To put that in perspective, a habitat that size would stretch from the edge of the Whooosh Playground all the way around to the Garden Bridge, which is significantly more room than our current space allows. Gunner was approved by AZA for his habitat, but new otters would need a much bigger home! 

Instead of bringing in new otters, we’re now working closely with AZA’s Species Survival Program leaders to identify a new aquatic species that can truly thrive in this smaller, water-based habitat. It’s a process that takes time, but we want to get it right for the animals and for the guests who will get to know them.

Keep an eye on our social media and future newsletters for updates. We’ll have exciting news to share in the coming year!

A Peaceful New Home for Pebbles

Right next door, we’ve made a different kind of change, this one for a longtime member of the CuriOdyssey family.

Meet Pebbles, our 13-year-old raccoon. Pebbles has lived a full life at CuriOdyssey, but like many senior animals, she’s begun facing some age-related health challenges. She has arthritis, which makes it harder for her to compete for food or find a quiet, comfortable place to rest.

Pebbles’ older companions, Drew and Jimmy, have been considerate roommates, giving her plenty of space. But her newest and youngest habitat-mate, Pi, is full of energy and tends to play a little too roughly for Pebbles’ comfort these days.

To help Pebbles enjoy her golden years in peace, we’re giving her a private habitat of her own, a space where she can eat, sleep, and explore at her own pace, free from competition or rough play. It’s a small change, but one that makes a meaningful difference in her comfort and quality of life.

Stop by and say hello to Pebbles in her new home!

Building New Spaces Takes a Community

We are looking forward to getting to announce new additions to our zoo, but we’re not quite ready. Projects like reimagining and renovating habitats, meeting updated care standards, and giving individual animals the space they need take real time, planning, and resources. Every square foot of new habitat space represents careful design, expert consultation, and funding to make it happen. That’s where our community comes in.

Monthly Giving Makes a Big Impact

A powerful way to support CuriOdyssey is simpler than you think. By becoming a monthly donor, you help feed our animals, fund hands-on science programs, and keep our doors open to every child in our community. Set it up once, and make a lasting difference all year long.

Your recurring gift helps us move projects like our future otter-habitat renovation from “someday” to “soon,” bringing new animal friends to CuriOdyssey and giving our current residents, like Pebbles, the best possible care along the way.

Your Gift. Infinite Curiosity.

More habitat updates and species announcements are coming soon. Follow @curiodyssey on social media and keep an eye on your inbox so you don’t miss what’s next.