Beloved Otter Dies at Riverhead Aquarium

A well-known member of the Riverhead Aquarium & Exhibition Center's marine family has died.

Peanut, one of the Aquarium's North American river otters, died Sunday afternoon from complications of anesthesia.

According to staffers, the Aquarium’s veterinary team had been conducting a full routine examination of Peanut that required him to be under anesthesia. The procedure went well, but soon after and prior to waking, Peanut stopped breathing — with resuscitation attempts unsuccessful, officials said.

Looking forward, the Aquarium will send out tissue samples to find out why Peanut died and determine any underlying causes.

Peanut came to the Aquarium on April 14, 2008 and lived in the Otter Falls exhibit. During his five years at the Aquarium, Peanut became one of the facility’s most beloved animals, having received his name in a much-publicized naming contest.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tremendous loss,” said Candyce Paparo, assistant director of animal training. “Peanut was certainly a favorite with both our staff and, of course, our visitors.”

The Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center is home to two other North American river otters. Female Jelly, who came at the same time as Peanut,  and a male, Stark, who is PB & J’s son, and was one of four babies born at the Aquarium on February 16 this year.

North American river otters may live as long as 20 years in facilities, with a more typical lifespan of 10 years.

In March, Peanut's four adorable baby otters were the center of a new naming contest, with the public being asked to help, to find the perfect monikers.

Four North American river otters, one female and three males, were born the weekend of Feb. 16 at Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center to parents PB & J, or Peanut Butter & Jelly.

The Blue Duck Bakery Café even created a commemorative “Otterly Yummy” peanut butter and jelly cupcake in honor of the babies. A portion of the proceeds were donated to the Riverhead Foundation, to help preserve and protect the marine environment through education, rescue, rehabilitation, and research.

The otter pups, which have whiskers and webbed feet, were discovered in February during a routine visit inside the Otter Falls exhibit.

According to Aquarium staff, the North American river otter, or Lontra canadensis, is at home in the water and on land.

Once abundant in the United States and Canadian rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, the North American river otter can today be found in parts of Canada, the Northwest, upper Great Lakes area, New England, and Atlantic and Gulf Coast states.

Members of the weasel family, river otters enjoy sliding down muddy and snowy hills, bouncing objects on their paws, playing tag, and wrestling.