The Utica Zoo has welcomed three North American beavers back to the Backyards & Barnyards section of the zoo.
The trio, Cauliflower, Mustard, and Tangerine —two females and one male—are all siblings born in 2003 at the Minnesota Zoo, an AZA-accredited facility in Apple Valley, Minnesota. The Utica Zoo, has been home to many beavers over the years and is excited to reintroduce these three into their new space.
“The return of beavers marks an exciting moment for the zoo and is so appropriate as they help us tell the story of Beaversprite; our education and conservation center located in Dolgeville,” said Andria Heath, Executive Director at the Utica Zoo. “Beavers are fascinating animals, known for their engineering abilities and their role in shaping ecosystems. We invite guests to come see them and learn more about their impact on the environment.”
Over the past few months, the beaver habitat underwent infrastructure renovations, including work on the drainage system to enhance the space and ensuring a comfortable and enriching environment for these aquatic mammals. Guests can now visit the beavers in their improved exhibit, where they can observe their natural behaviors, including swimming, gnawing, and possibly even building their lodge.
Facts About North American Beavers:
- Beavers build dams to create ponds where they can live safely. Their dams can be massive, with the largest one (in Canada) stretching over 2,700 feet!
- A beaver’s teeth never stop growing, so they have to keep gnawing on wood to wear them down.
- Their teeth are orange because they contain iron, making them extra strong for gnawing through wood.
- Their dams create wetlands that support biodiversity by providing habitats for fish, birds, and other animals.
For more information, visit www.uticazoo.org or follow us on social media @UticaZoo.
The Utica Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is a regional destination that inspires and promotes the appreciation of wildlife through education, conservation, and recreation. Situated in the heart of Central New York, the zoo features a diverse collection of animals from around the world and offers various educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. It is home to approximately 200 exotic and domestic animals, welcoming nearly 100,000 visitors annually and is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information on this, and all things Utica Zoo, visit UticaZoo.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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