The Erie Zoo announced today that it will be adding a new otter to their recently expanded North American River Otter exhibit. Pierre Loutre, a specially trained Eurasian Otter, (lutra lutra) has been imported directly from  the Parc Zoologique De Paris in France.

“We felt that our otters may have some difficulties learning about all the new amenities in their expanded exhibit.” said Scott Mitchell, the Erie Zoo’s director of development.

Mitchell went on to say that zoo staff just did not have the time to introduce the otters to all the new benefits.

“I mean there’s wi-fi, cable, heated towels and a mini fridge stocked with all sorts of varieties of frozen fish.” Mitchell also said that Monsieur Loutre (as the new otter prefers to be addressed) is adjusting quite well to his new surroundings. “Our resident otters are very happy with him. They tip him very generously with smelt.”