ROYAL OAK (WWJ) — Whisker, a beloved otter at the Detroit Zoo, has died.
Zoo officials announced Tuesday the otter and "superb mother" recently passed away at the "advanced age" of 21.
Otters typically live about 10-15 years on average, according to zoologists. The zoo says as Whisker aged in recent years she experienced a decline in the function of her hindlimbs, leading to mobility issues and discomfort.
"Her care team put significant effort into developing innovative ways to prolong her quality of life, but ultimately came to the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her," a post on the zoo's Facebook page says.
"She was truly an amazing otter and will be dearly missed by all."
Whisker was rescued as a young pup in 2003 and found her "forever home with the romp of otters at the Detroit Zoo in 2009," the post says.
"Shortly after her arrival, Whisker and male otter Lucius became inseparable. In 2012, they became the parents of the first river otter litter to be born at the Zoo in 50 years," the post said.
"Whisker was a superb mother. She was also very smart and quick to catch onto training. She was a favorite among her caretakers, who bonded deeply with her over the years," the post said.
