Beardsley Zoo Mourns Loss Of Popular Otter Rizzo

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Beardsley Zoo favorite Rizzo the North American river otter passed away due to complications from old age.

Rizzo was 16-years-old, according to the zoo. Otters in human care live an average of 17 years and otters in the wild typically live to 10 to 12-years-old. Rizzo's longtime companion Nessie died last spring from heart disease.

“Our river otters have always been some of the most popular animals who make their home here at the Zoo, for their playful nature and intelligence as well as their role as an iconic North American animal," said Zoo Director Gregg Bancho. "Nessie and Rizzo were the last of several river otters here, and we’ve been proud to have welcomed otter pups in years past. We look forward to a new family of otters here again soon."

The zoo is in the process of making improvements to the otter habitat in anticipation of future otter residents.