Otter Brothers Bid Farewell to Riverhead

Three North American river otters born at the left their home on Wednesday for The Living Planet Aquarium in Salt Lake City, Utah, the aquarium announced.

Cinnamon, Pepper and Cocoa, born in June 2010 to parents PB and J, were transferred to a larger exhibit at the Utah aquarium to help educate children and families in the land-locked state about marine life. The aquarium's website features an ad announcing the arrival of the "otter-ly adorable" creatures.

In addition to the otter exhibit, The Living Planet Aquarium features sharks, rays, seahorses, jellyfish, octopus, eels, starfish, amphibians, trout, and other freshwater species. 

Mammal trainers at the Long Island Aquarium said they were happy to have raised the sea animals, and were able to learn about the species as they grew.

“We will definitely miss their energy and playfulness, but we know that all three brothers will be staying together and entertaining guests at another facility,” said Senior Mammal Trainer Candyce Paparo.

She added the otters were moved because the otter exhibit at the Long Island Aquarium only allows for so many animals. Moving the three 1-year-old brothers to another aquarium would also prevent them from breeding with relatives, Paparo said.