Rocky The Otter Recovers From Tumor Surgery At Elmwood

NORRISTOWN, PA — One of Elmwood Park Zoo's more venerable elder statesman is back out on display and greeting the public once again.

It's good news for Rocky, the zoo's male river otter who had a small mass on his hip in February that was identified as a tumor.

Fortunately, the zoo's veterinary team, working closely with Metropolitan Veterinary Associates and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, was able to remove the mass. The zoo noted the team's "exceptional care and expertise" in getting the sensitive job done.

Rocky had been taken off his exhibit as he underwent medical care, but he is now back out there.

"Rocky, at 18 years old, is making great progress and is back to his usual self, rejoining Piper on exhibit during warmer days," the zoo announced.

The tumor was found to be "low grade," with a low risk of recurrence, so Rocky has a good prognosis moving forward.

River otters typically only live around 13 years in the wild, but can live from 20 to 25 years in captivity, according to wildlife biologists.