The Seattle Aquarium is thrilled to welcome Zweigle, a one-year-old North American river otter, to his new home! He joins 13-year-old Molalla in the river otter habitat on Pier 60. You can find more photos and videos of Zweigle here.
“We’re elated that Zweigle has found his new home here in Seattle,” Aquarium President & CEO Meg McCann says. “Alongside Molalla, he’ll serve as an incredible ambassador for his species, inspiring guests to connect with and learn more about these remarkable animals.”
The Aquarium’s Bird and Mammal Curator Veronica Seawall has been working closely with the team at Seneca Park Zoo in preparation for his move. Earlier this month she and Dr. Sasha Troiano from the Aquarium’s Veterinary team flew to Rochester so they could be with Zweigle every step of the way during his cross-country journey to the Pacific Northwest.
“This transfer reflects the strong collaboration between the Seattle Aquarium and Seneca Park Zoo, ensuring a smooth transition for Zweigle,” Veronica says. “Moves like this are only possible through the meaningful partnerships built across AZA-accredited institutions.”
Historic Pup
Zweigle was born at Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York. He and his siblings, Mystie and Ivey, were the first of their species born at Seneca Park Zoo. It was quite a victory, considering that North American river otters became locally extinct in western New York in the 1900s due to trapping, pollution and habitat destruction. Reintroduction efforts began in the 1990s and have been very successful thus far. As a result of the national conservation effort, Zweigle and his siblings are being moved to other AZA-accredited facilities across the country.
East Coast to West Coast
Providing companionship for Molalla was one of the key factors in Zweigle’s move from the East Coast to the West Coast. Since the passing of Ahanu in November 2025, Molalla has been the sole river otter in the habitat. Although he has continued to thrive under the exceptional care of the Bird and Mammal team, introducing a new companion is an important next step for his social well-being and enrichment.
“I think the age difference between Zweigle and Molalla has been beneficial for their dynamic,” Veronica explains. “Bringing in a young river otter who has only ever lived within a family group reinforced our sense that he’d likely be a good companion for Molalla and will keep him young at heart, too. But we still wanted to give them the time they needed to get to know each other, which is why introductions start slowly. We start by having them smell each other in separate spaces and letting them explore the habitat on their own before they’re ever face-to-face.
Zweigle and Molalla won’t just be sharing a habitat; they also share a birthday on January 28th!
What’s in a name?
So, what’s behind the name? Zweigle (pronounced z-WHY-gle) comes from the name of a Rochester-based company that’s been making locally legendary hot dogs since the 1880s.
“When Zweigle was born, the Animal Care team at Seneca Park Zoo thought he looked like a hot dog,” Veronica says. “Looking at pictures of him as a young pup, you can see the resemblance!”
You can meet Zweigle in his new home with Molalla at the Seattle Aquarium every day from 9:30am–6pm, alongside other marine mammals and birds, as well as sharks, rays, and thousands of fish and invertebrates.
About the Seattle Aquarium:
Founded in 1977, the Seattle Aquarium is a marine conservation organization working to regenerate the health of Earth’s one ocean. We work among global leaders to advance animal wellbeing, marine and ecosystem science, public policy, field conservation, education, and species recovery programs that benefit the ocean. Help support the Aquarium’s mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment.
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