Mote to showcase otters

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium announced today that it will showcase otters at its newest temporary exhibit.

Set to open early 2016, “Otters & Their Waters” will feature orphaned North American river otters.

“They were found alone at a very young age when they were still supposed to be cared for by their mothers,” said Evan Barniskis, Mote Marine Aquarium assistant vice president. “Unfortunately, they’re unrealeasable back into the wild, but we look forward to having them at our aquarium.”

The exhibit comes at the heels of the success of Mote’s “Oh Baby!” which was supposed to run from February to September but was made permanent due to its popularity.

“It’s going to be fantastic,” Barniskis said. “We’ll showcase animals we’ve never before had on display. It’s a fantastic opportunities for visitors to see land animals who also utilize the water. We’re very excited for the experience.”

 The exhibit will be open during Mote’s normal operating hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days per week, and will be located at its Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center.