Friday, December 11, 2009
- by Thom L. Benson
While the forecast calls for a spring-like day on Monday, the Tennessee Aquarium’s North American river otters will have a play day in the snow.
Shaved ice from the Tennessee Valley Ice Company will be brought into the Appalachian Cove Forest exhibit located high atop the Aquarium’s River Journey building. Staff members Courtney Lewis and Amy Graves will build a snowman for the otters complete with tasty treats like grapes, clams and smelt.
Ms. Graves expects this enrichment activity to be quite a sight as the feisty animals tear into the frozen form. “These guys really love to play in the snow,” said senior aviculturist Amy Graves. “And enrichment activities, such as building snowmen with hidden treats, are important for the otters’ overall health. It’s stimulating and fun for the animals.”
This winter enrichment activity will also be a lot of fun for visitors to watch. Guests will have two opportunities to see the otters playing in the snow on Monday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m., and again on Friday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m.