Cedrick the North American River Otter (c.2022-2026)
Obituary
Cedrick was found dead in his enclosure at the Buffalo Zoo in March 2026.
Cedrick, a four-year-old North American river otter, died at the Buffalo Zoo in March 2026. He was found deceased, wedged by a rock in the enclosure. River otters are displayed at zoos primarily to attract customers. Cedrick was transferred to the Buffalo Zoo to be paired with another otter, Mindy, for a breeding program. Despite the zoo's messaging, their captivity serves no conservation benefit.
North American river otters are the largest members of the weasel family. They are swimmers and live in the continental US, near rivers, streams, lakes, and swamps. Otters are very social and stay in pairs or small groups in the wild. River otters are not endangered, but their populations have significantly decreased due to hunting and trapping in previous centuries. Today, major threats include habitat destruction, water pollution, and hunting.
World Animal Protection urges everyone who loves otters to avoid zoos and enjoy them in the wild or at accredited sanctuaries.
